Obtain a new private hospital or private day procedure centre

This application is for establishing and operating a new private hospital or private day procedure centre in South Australia.

Key timelines

  • Applications are typically processed within 90 days after all required documentation is received to grant design approval; however, this timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the application
  • Construction must begin within 1 year of design approval and be completed within 3 years. If delays occur, an extension may be requested; otherwise, a new application must be submitted
  • Final Approval may vary depending on the outcomes of inspections and any associated remedial actions

Construction or capital works must not commence until design approval is granted.

Health services must not be provided until a licence is issued.

Application process

  1. Prepare application – Gather all required documents. See the list in documents required for application section below
  2. Submit application – Complete and submit the online application form with supporting documentation
  3. Pay application fee – An invoice will be issued. Payment must be made before assessment begins
  4. Assessment and review – The application is reviewed for completeness. Additional documents may be requested
  5. Design approval – Once approved, construction may commence
  6. Building works – Construction must follow approved plans and relevant standards
  7. Inspection and certification – Once construction is complete, a commissioning inspection will confirm compliance with facility standards. Applicants must:
    • Provide commissioning documents and certificates of compliance for systems such as gas, chemical, electrical, and equipment. Refer to the Health Facility Commissioning Checklist (PDF 299KB) for details
    • Give at least four weeks’ notice for inspection scheduling
    • If the inspection identifies incomplete work or remedial actions due to non-adherence to approved plans or relevant standards, additional inspections may be required. This may result in delays to the licensing process
  8. Pay grant of licence fee– Once the inspection is complete and any required remedial actions are addressed, an invoice will be issued
  9. Licence issued – Once payment is received, the licence is granted
  10. Annual reporting - Facilities must maintain licence conditions and submit an annual return each year

Documents required for application

  • Full architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections, ceiling, electrical, mechanical ventilation, hydraulic)
  • Patient, equipment, and waste flow diagrams
  • Plans for sterile supply and reprocessing areas, including the layout and workflows of the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), and reusable medical device (RMD) reprocessing arrangements. Include off-site service agreements if applicable.
  • Ambulance bay, carpark, and stretcher/emergency access (if applicable)
  • Building classification certificate (Class 9a, National Construction Code)
  • Letter from architect or health facility planner confirming compliance with the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) and NCC, with explanation of any departures
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plan (airflows, pressure, temperature, humidity controls)
  • Project schedule must be provided including all key phases, milestones, scope etc.

  • List of functional areas (e.g., operating theatres, ICU, neonatal units, CSSD, procedure rooms, wards, dialysis units) and their purpose
  • Specialist diagnostic equipment (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.)

  • Summary of specialist services (Private Hospital only)
  • Proposed principal and prescribed health services
  • In-home services (renal dialysis and/or chemotherapy), if applicable

  • Interim accreditation to NSQHS Standards must be achieved within 10 days of commencing operations
  • Full accreditation must be maintained on an ongoing basis

  • Room/area number, proposed lessee, activities, and duration of lease

  • Flowcharts showing patient and equipment movement to support safe and efficient workflows
  • Risk management and patient safety strategies
  • Infection control protocols (cleaning, disinfection, isolation)
  • Emergency evacuation plans
  • Legionella risk management and water safety documentation (aligned with the Public Health Act 2011 and SA Health Legionella regulations and guidelines)

Prescribed fees 

All fees listed apply for the current year.

Table name
Facility type New application Grant of licence *Additional inspection
Private hospital $11,352 $11,352 $2,837
Private day procedure centre $5,676 $5,676 $1,702


Invoices are issued after application submission and before licence grant. Payment options will be detailed on the invoice.

*Final inspection fee is included in the application fee. Additional inspections due to incomplete work or remedial actions will incur extra charges.

Apply online

To start or resume a licence application online, use the online application portal.