South Australia hospital crisis

Redevelopment of the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), announced in 2013, threatened to reduce the already inadequate 24 outpatient eye clinic rooms to just 11, placing further strains on already long waiting lists and unacceptable delays for injections for treatment of wet AMD.

Since 2013 the Foundation has lobbied the South Australia government and SA Health to work closely with ophthalmologists at the Royal Adelaide Hospital to find a quick and workable outcome, enabling patients to receive the timely treatment they so urgently required. The Foundation has also advocated to address the reduction in outpatient eye treatment rooms at the new RAH site.

In September 2014 SA Health announced it would fund an additional seven eye clinics per month. The Foundation continues to monitor and advocate for a sustainable long-term resolution to cater for the future needs of eye health for all South Australians.

“A big thank you for your work to improve the waiting time at the Royal Adelaide Hospital retinal clinic in South Australia. It has improved dramatically. At one stage last year I waited nearly three times as long as recommended by my doctor for treatment. I am 85 and live alone. If I lose my sight, I lose my independence. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the help you have made in RAH clinics. I personally have greatly benefited." Friend of the Foundation