SA Health Minister Jack Snelling told a parliamentary committee that 600 full time equivalent jobs would be axed over the next four years.

Nurses, who make up 40 per cent of the SA Health workforce which includes aged care, were not ruled out.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation warned that patient care would suffer as a result of the cuts.

"Our health system is currently under considerable pressure,” said secretary Elizabeth Dabars. "Cuts to nurses and midwives will mean less health services and a lower quality of care.”

"South Australian families will be very angry at the warped priorities of Mr Weatherill and Mr Snelling," said Opposition health spokesman Rob Lucas.