1973 - 1974 BCA Nursing Sister Val Want at the radio talking to the Flying Dr. in Port Augusta (courtesy of Coober Pedy Hospital & Health Services).

In March 1973, the Bush Church Aid Society sought permission from the Minister of Health Mr. Banfield to hand over the management of the Coober Pedy Medical Centre as on the 30th June 1973 to the South Australian Health Commission (SAHC).

(Article: 1973, 2nd March ‘Hospital requests takeover’, The Advertiser, courtesy of The Bush Church Aid Society).

On the 1st July 1973, the Coober Pedy Hospital Board of Directors was established to take on the management of the Coober Pedy Medical Centre.  The building originally known as the Coober Pedy Medical Centre became known as the Coober Pedy Hospital.  Although SAHC took over the management of the Hospital the Bush Church Aid Society continued to provide Nursing staff until 1977.