Two new operating theatres have opened at Epworth Geelong, adding an additional 20 operating lists per week to serve the needs of the growing region.
The state-of-the-art theatres feature the latest surgical monitor displays and digital connectivity and will significantly boost capacity across multiple surgical specialties including neurosurgery, vascular surgery, orthopaedic surgery, urology and gynaecology and general surgery.
The theatres are complemented by a redesigned theatre reception area and new admission lounge funded through the Epworth Medical Foundation.
Executive General Manager, Scott Norman, said the opening of the new theatres marks a significant milestone in the growth of the hospital.
"In the last five years, Epworth Geelong has seen a 30 per cent increase in the number of procedures performed at our hospital and we expect this to continue to rise in coming years," Mr Norman said.
The commitment to invest in the growth of Epworth Geelong continues, ensuring our community has even greater access to world-class specialists and high-quality safe care, close to home.
"We will be further expanding our capacity in the future with additional hospital beds and shortly expanding our day oncology department that will double the number of treatment chairs for patients with cancer."
As the only regional hospital offering neurosurgical services, Mr Norman said Epworth Geelong also aims to further establish its focus on complex neurosurgery and world-leading treatment of acute neurological conditions.
"We have already seen this ambition in action with the recent introduction of deep brain stimulation at Epworth Geelong, the first time this procedure has been available outside Melbourne," he said.
Over the years, Epworth Geelong has seen a strong intake of new specialists seeking credentialing, including anaesthetists, colorectal surgeons, radiologists and experts in oncology, urology, renal medicine, plastic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery.
Epworth Group Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Stripp, said the strategic growth of the hospital, for the benefit of Geelong and the wider community, was a key priority.
"As a not-for-profit private hospital group, I am proud that we are able to invest back into the communities we operate in and ensure patients have access to world-class care right here in their own backyard," he said.
