Delivering Modular Solutions for Remote Care in Regional SA
In 2023, Sarah was awarded the design and construction contract for the new Leigh Creek Health Service, replacing ageing infrastructure in this remote northern South Australian town. As the only health facility servicing the Leigh Creek community and surrounding districts, the project was critical to maintaining continuous, high-quality care on country. Located over 500 kilometres from Adelaide, the solution had to respond to both the client’s health-specific requirements and the challenges of building in a remote environment.
Modular Design and Delivery
The clinic was delivered as a modular build, comprising 12 individual modules that were designed, constructed, and quality tested in Adelaide before being transported to site and integrated into a single cohesive structure. With strong community perceptions around modular buildings being ‘temporary’ or ‘less than’, the project offered an opportunity to shift expectations and demonstrate how modular methods can meet the standards of long-term health infrastructure.
Collaboration and Compliance
Sarah worked closely with SA Health, the Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network, local clinic staff, SA Ambulance, and specialist consultants through early and interactive design sessions. These sessions ensured the solution met all health and building compliance requirements, including infection control, accessibility, medical equipment fitout, and SA Health’s 50-year design life specification.
Clinic Features
The clinic includes two emergency treatment areas, three consult rooms equipped for telehealth, a SA Ambulance crew respite space and garage, utility and clinical support areas, a reception and pharmacy space, and both staff and visitor amenities.
Innovation in Modular Construction
One of the key innovations of the project was the on-grade modular solution. Unlike typical elevated modular buildings, this clinic was designed to be flush to the ground, improving hygiene, accessibility, and equipment movement. Sarah worked with structural engineers to certify a custom footing system to enable this outcome, which was both technically complex and critical to achieving SA Health’s expectations.
Remote Logistics and Safety
Given the isolation of Leigh Creek and the absence of nearby suppliers, Sarah planned extensively for logistics. The team trial-built the clinic in Adelaide before deconstructing and transporting all modules and materials for reassembly on site. Safety was a strong focus, with all site personnel comprehensively inducted to manage the risks of remote construction, including heat stress and fatigue. The team also maintained regular contact with subcontractors to ensure they were adequately prepared for site conditions.
Community and Economic Impact
The project had a positive impact on the local economy, with teams staying in town, sourcing supplies locally, and employing residents from nearby Copley. Local artists were engaged to create welcome artworks that now form part of the clinic’s identity. The Sarah site team worked alongside SA Health personnel throughout construction, helping to build a strong sense of community ownership and excitement for the new facility. The building artwork was designed by Juanella McKenzie.
Legacy and Learnings
As Sarah’s most remote project to date, the Leigh Creek Health Service has provided valuable lessons in delivering sophisticated, compliant modular solutions in regional contexts. These insights will inform future modular healthcare projects across South Australia and beyond.
