South Australian history has been made as the new Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) welcomed its first patients with the commencement of some renal outpatient and radiation oncology services.

While the hospital will not open to the general public until Tuesday 5 September, a small number of outpatient and radiation therapy clinics started 14 August.

Beginning these services early allows staff to settle into their new working environment with smaller levels of activity and patients who are low risk.

The new RAH’s first outpatient, 51 year old Paul Panos received a donor kidney from his mother six years ago.

He is the first Renal Outpatient Clinic appointment, with 150 patients booked in for appointments before the official launch of the hospital.

These patients are typically kidney transplant recipients who are required to see their specialist every three months for a follow up appointment.

Some Radiation Oncology patients have also started to have treatment at the new RAH.

"Today is another major step forward for healthcare in South Australia as we see the first outpatients walk through the doors of the new RAH", Health Minister Jack Snelling said.

"The official opening date is Tuesday 5 September at 7am, and it’s important that people continue to go to the old Royal Adelaide Hospital like normal, until this time.

"It is however exciting that as of today South Australians, like Paul are able to start having their appointments and treatment in this magnificent facility which will service the South Australian community for decades to come", he said.

Renal and Cancer Director, Professor Graeme Russ, said that "as we gear up to the hospital opening on September 5, it’s important we take this opportunity with our renal outpatients and radiation oncology patients to really settle in to the new working environment.

"For these first few weeks we’ve specifically chosen patients who are low risk and don’t need complicated procedures.

"By starting our services with people like Paul who just need a regular check up with their doctor, we can take our time to make sure everything is working well before we open the doors to the general public".

Greek Tribune