Whyalla, Eastern Eyre & Far North Health Service Country Health SA director Kay Atfield said the hospital has a full complement of specialist doctors based in Whyalla, and a large number of visiting specialists.

She said visiting surgeons cover most other specialities.

"The visiting specialists who visit Whyalla on a regular planned basis cover most other specialties," Ms Atfield said.

"The only current service vacancy for visiting specialists is ear, nose and throat (ENT) which is available in Port Augusta.

"There is an Australia- wide shortage of ENT surgeons."

Whyalla hospital has two orthopaedic specialists, two general surgeons, two specialist anaesthetists, one obstetrician gynaecologist and one general physician.

Adelaide hospitals have been facing a shortage of specialists and have hired 1074 doctors and 3692 nurses since 2002.

Hospitals plan to employ experienced and well qualified doctors from the Aspen medical specialists agency to provide support to permanent staff over the summer period.

Health minister John Hill said there will be no change to the high-level 24/7 emergency medical services.