More hospital beds, stronger partnerships with private hospitals, and a boost to virtual care options are included in a range of measures to tackle increased demand this winter.
The 2026 Winter Demand Plan, released today, also includes a new 16-bed mental health facility at the Lyell McEwin Hospital precinct, which is set for completion in late June and operational in the following months.
The Northern Crisis Stabilisation Centre will not only provide a safe alternative to emergency departments for people experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal distress but also deliver short-term intensive support in a dedicated environment, while supporting emergency departments to meet the needs of patients requiring acute medical care.
The plan outlines a series of actions aimed at unlocking capacity during peak periods, improving patient flow, and ensuring people get the level of care they need in the most appropriate setting.
More than 230 beds have been added since May 2025, with additional beds opening this winter, emphasising the need to maximise existing capacity across South Australian hospitals.
The State Health Coordination Centre, which has 24/7 oversight, will play a key role in managing demand across metropolitan and regional hospitals by coordinating system-wide capacity and supporting timely access to care across the state.
Another measure includes allied health staff embedded into early discharge planning to support recovery and reduce the length of time patients need to stay in hospital.
Partnerships with private hospitals and day procedure centres will also help ensure planned and emergency surgery continues during peak periods of demand.
Up to 50 new transition care beds will open at College Grove, through a partnership between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Amplar Health.
These beds will support the timely transfer of patients who no longer require acute care into appropriate step-down settings, freeing capacity for those who need hospital-level care.
Targeted virtual care models will also be expanded to provide follow-up for patients after discharge, particularly older people and those at higher risk, supporting continuity of care and helping patients recover safely at home.
From emergency care to local services, virtual care and pharmacies, South Australians can continue to access safe, timely care in the most appropriate settings, including hospitals, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, Medicare Mental Health Centres, GP clinics, nurse-led clinics, virtual care services, and healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
This winter, eligible young children can also access a simple, needle-free flu vaccine. The South Australian Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program will offer a quick and easy nasal spray option for children aged two to under five years.
Through the National Immunisation Program, the injectable flu vaccine is free for about 600,000 South Australians who are most at risk of influenza, including children aged six months to five years, people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians, and people with specific health conditions.
The plan can be viewed here.
As put by Blair Boyer
South Australia's 2026 Winter Demand Plan sets out clear, practical steps to ensure our health system is ready for the increased pressures winter brings.
This is about making sure our health system is prepared, responsive, and focused on patient care during the busiest time of year.
As part of the 2026 Winter Demand Plan, it's great to see additional influenza vaccination options for younger South Australians being offered, including an influenza nasal spray vaccine as a no-needle alternative.
These are key measures that will protect South Australians and support our hospitals when there is higher demand.
As put by Department of Health and Wellbeing Deputy Chief Executive Clinical System and Improvement Robyn Lindsay
Ensuring a sustainable and responsive hospital system remains a priority.
The 2026 Winter Plan outlines how we are preparing our hospitals to manage increased demand over the winter period.
This includes additional hospital capacity, increased transition care beds to support timely discharge, and strengthened community-based care to ensure patients can access appropriate support outside the hospital setting.
As put by Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer Karen Puvogel
We are pleased to support the new Northern Crisis Stabilisation Centre to ensure people experiencing mental health crisis can access suitable support in a timely manner in the north and northeastern suburbs, while also freeing up other beds for additional patients.
The opening of the 16-bed centre within the Lyell McEwin Hospital precinct will provide patients with intensive support in a designated environment with dedicated staff, separate to the emergency department.
