The Finocchiaro CLP Government is driving health innovation in Central Australia with a new hybrid operating theatre opening soon at Alice Springs Hospital.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said the $8.6 million surgical suite combined a traditional operating theatre with high-end medical imaging technology.
"The hybrid operating theatre will increase the range of surgical procedures available in Central Australia, allowing more patients to have better access to high-quality care closer to home and to loved ones," he said.
"This is an impressive milestone for the Alice Springs Hospital and a significant step forward for patient healthcare in Central Australia."
Mr Edgington said the state-of-the art suite was expected to provide surgical procedures for up to 10 patients per day once fully operational.
"Surgeons will be able to perform complex vascular and surgical procedures with real-time imaging guidance, improving precision and patient outcomes," he said.
"This will reduce the need for multiple operations, elective surgery wait times and interstate and intrastate patient transfers, resulting in significant savings for the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS).
"Our government promised Territorians that 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security and this is real action to deliver healthcare certainty for Territory patients, to restore our lifestyle and to build long-term security for our economy."
NT-based company Scope Building delivered the cutting-edge project to combine two existing theatres and associated clinical and patient flow areas within the Day Procedure Unit at Alice Springs Hospital.
The facility will incorporate the high-end Siemens Healthineers Artis Q System, a ceiling mounted machine, capable of advanced 2D and 3D imaging.
Mr Edgington said the equipment would provide enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, particularly for renal disease and vascular conditions.
"The hybrid operating theatre will not only future proof the hospital's ability to treat local healthcare needs in Central Australia by integrating advanced technology and modern infrastructure but will continue to attract and retain skilled doctors and nurses," he said.
"We will keep doing whatever it takes to protect Territorians because Territorians deserve high-quality healthcare."
