New theatre to reduce waiting times for patients

Mar, 2009

THE Gold Coast Hospital’s new $14.5 million day surgery will significantly decrease waiting times according to State Heath Minister Stephen Robertson.

Robertson said the day surgery centre, comprised of three new surgery theatres, is expected to perform up to 6000 elective procedures each year.

In the October to December 2008 quarter, the Gold Coast Health Service District performed 5205 operative procedures (including ECT for depression and endoscopy). This compared to 4716 cases in the same period in 2007.

Robertson says the increase of more than 10 per cent is largely accounted for by the Surgery Centre.

“Waiting lists for elective surgery on the Gold Coast are continuing to fall due largely to the new centre and a range of other measures implemented by the Gold Coast Health Service District,” he says.

“The new centre is delivering surgical treatments including ophthalmology, plastics, neurosurgery, gynaecology, urology and general procedures under local and general anaesthetics.”

Robertson says the State Government’s record $6 billion investment into the hospital infrastructure program, Australia’s largest, is ‘history making’.

“The $1.5 billion Gold Coast University Hospital, the largest of the five state health projects, when completed in 2012, will have 750 beds and offer comprehensive medical services including cancer care, cardiac and trauma services,” says Robertson.

“The Robina Hospital is undergoing a $287.7 million expansion which will deliver 179 extra beds and enhanced services to Gold Coast residents.”

Meanwhile, a $3 million, 552sqm medical centre in the heart of Benowa is expected to be finished by December.

The double-level building located at 210 Ashmore Road has approval for full medical use unlike the majority of existing centres on Ashmore Road, which operate under combined business/residential approval. The ground floor will comprise 261sqm with the remaining 291sqm serviced by an elevator on the upper floor.

Project manager Ben Gordon, says the development will be located in the heart of what is fast becoming the ‘nerve centre of health care’ on the Gold Coast.

“Benowa has already attracted general practitioners, medical specialists, cosmetic surgeons, dentists, orthodontists and physiotherapists, this combined with our strong population growth means demand for additional medical services and space in the area is strong,” he says.

“We expect our close proximity to Pindara Hospital will serve to strengthen interest from medical practitioners and specialist medical services looking for space.”

When completed, the centre will have parking for 20 cars, an ambulance bay and access to public transport.

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