Incoming South Australian Health Minister Peter Malinauskas has promised to bring a "fresh set of eyes" to the troubled portfolio but doctors are warning he faces a big challenge.
Mr Malinauskas was sworn in on Monday to replace Jack Snelling who has quit the cabinet and will retire from politics at the March election.
He says the government's basic policy directions in health won't change but he's looking forward to hearing more from people working in the sector after his first informal visit to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
"People are getting good care, but clearly there are a lot of people working incredibly hard to make sure that happens and there needs to be a lot of improvement going forward," Mr Malinauskas told ABC radio on Tuesday.
He also stressed that six months was sufficient to gain an understanding of the portfolio before the election.
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However, the Australian Medical Association says many issues are unresolved across the hospital network and the new minister faces a "significant burden".
"The importance of the public health system to the people of South Australia cannot be overstated," the AMA said.
"Health will be the number one election issue next March.
"We appreciate Minister Malinauskas has a massive challenge ahead. He has only six months before the next election to try to bring some stability to the SA health system and return some confidence to the medical profession and more importantly the public."
Two other major changes have been made to the SA cabinet after the decision by Mr Snelling and Mental Health Minister Leesa Vlahos to sand down.
Chris Picton has been brought in to take over from Mr Malinauskas as police and correctional services minister while Katrine Hildyard is the new disabilities minister.
Premier Jay Weatherill says his new cabinet is refreshed and has the skills and drive to win the election.
