A new $20 million surgical centre has officially opened its doors in Charlestown, marking a significant advancement in private healthcare access for the region. The Ramsay Health Care facility aims to provide a wide array of specialist services, enhancing the availability of medical procedures for local residents.
The Ramsay Health Care centre, a part of the country’s largest private hospital operator, features three operating theatres with the potential to expand to four, alongside 12 inpatient beds equipped with the latest medical technology. The centre offers specialized services including endoscopy, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, gynaecology, and Mohs skin cancer surgery.
According to Ramsay Health Care, the new facility was designed to address the growing local demand for surgical procedures close to home, while also alleviating the burden on larger hospitals in the area. This development comes at a time of uncertainty in the private health sector, highlighted by the recent receivership of Healthscope, which operates hospitals in Newcastle and Hunter Valley.
Ramsay’s Strategic Expansion
Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres, emphasized the strategic importance of the new Charlestown site, stating, “This investment demonstrates Ramsay’s focus on improving access to high-quality surgical care in regional communities.” She added that the centre provides Newcastle and surrounding areas with access to the same high-quality surgical services found in major metropolitan centres.
Thurwood also highlighted the centre’s role in enhancing care coordination across Ramsay’s existing hospitals in the region, facilitating smoother patient transitions through the healthcare system. Oral maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Ben Gupta echoed these sentiments, noting the centre’s potential to benefit both local patients and clinicians. “It’s exciting to be part of this modern facility that will provide exceptional patient care. It’s a great step forward for specialist care in the region,” Dr. Gupta remarked.
Complementary Developments in Charlestown
The opening of the surgical centre coincides with the anticipated launch of a $5 million clinical trials operation by Novatrials, scheduled to open in Charlestown in August. Both the surgical centre and the clinical trials operation are part of the Charlestown Health Hub, which also includes imaging, pathology, a GP clinic, and a skin cancer clinic.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government has initiated a call for expressions of interest to establish an urgent care clinic in Maitland. Paterson MP Meryl Swanson described the initiative as “fantastic news for our community and a big win for locals.” These Medicare clinics aim to provide “walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies,” thereby reducing pressure on emergency departments.
Government’s Healthcare Initiatives
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has been vocal about the role of these clinics in bridging the gap between general practitioners and hospital emergency rooms. The Newcastle Herald reported in April that high demand for clinics in Charlestown and Lake Haven prompted the government to consider expanding them. At that time, Butler noted that these clinics were among the busiest in the nation.
Labor’s election promise to fund a second doctor at these clinics is part of a broader effort to enhance healthcare accessibility. Currently, the government allocates approximately $1.2 million annually to support the clinics, covering the costs of one doctor, a nurse, a receptionist, and operational expenses.
The opening of the Charlestown surgical centre, alongside these government initiatives, underscores a significant shift towards improving healthcare infrastructure in regional areas. As these developments unfold, the local community stands to benefit from enhanced medical services and reduced strain on larger healthcare facilities.
