$20 million surgery centre opens in Charlestown in big private health move
The Ramsay Health Care centre includes three operating theatres with capacity to expand to four, along with 12 inpatient beds and the latest medical equipment.
It provides specialist services including endoscopy, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, gynaecology and Mohs skin cancer surgery.
Ramsay - the country's largest private hospital operator - also owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals.
Its new centre was designed to "meet growing local demand for surgical procedures close to home and reduce pressure on larger hospitals in the region".
The move comes amid volatility in the sector with the receivership of Healthscope, whose hospitals include Newcastle and Hunter Valley private.
Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients.
Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres, said the Charlestown site "demonstrates Ramsay's focus on improving access to high-quality surgical care in regional communities".
"This investment means that residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas have access to the same high-quality surgical services available in major metropolitan centres," Ms Thurwood said.
"Importantly, it also supports better care co-ordination across Ramsay's existing hospitals in the region, helping patients move more easily through the system."
Oral maxillofacial surgeon Ben Gupta said the new centre would "benefit 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 said.
The Newcastle Herald recently reported a $5 million clinical trials operation - run by Novatrials - will open in Charlestown in August.
Along with the surgical centre, this clinical trials operation is based at the Charlestown Health Hub.
The hub also includes imaging, pathology, a GP clinic and skin cancer clinic.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government has called for expressions of interest for an urgent care clinic at Maitland.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said "this is fantastic news for our community and a big win for locals".
The Medicare clinics provide "walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies".
They aim to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the clinics were "filling the gap between GPs and hospital emergency rooms".
The Newcastle Herald reported in April that high demand for the clinics at Charlestown and Lake Haven had prompted the government to expand them.
At the time, Mr Butler said those two clinics were "some of the busiest in the country".
Labor made an election promise to fund a second doctor at the clinics.
As of now, the government funds the clinics with about $1.2 million a year for one doctor, nurse, receptionist and running costs.
A $20 million surgical centre has opened in Charlestown, boosting access for patients to numerous procedures.
The Ramsay Health Care centre includes three operating theatres with capacity to expand to four, along with 12 inpatient beds and the latest medical equipment.
It provides specialist services including endoscopy, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, gynaecology and Mohs skin cancer surgery.
Ramsay - the country's largest private hospital operator - also owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals.
Its new centre was designed to "meet growing local demand for surgical procedures close to home and reduce pressure on larger hospitals in the region".
The move comes amid volatility in the sector with the receivership of Healthscope, whose hospitals include Newcastle and Hunter Valley private.
Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients.
Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres, said the Charlestown site "demonstrates Ramsay's focus on improving access to high-quality surgical care in regional communities".
"This investment means that residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas have access to the same high-quality surgical services available in major metropolitan centres," Ms Thurwood said.
"Importantly, it also supports better care co-ordination across Ramsay's existing hospitals in the region, helping patients move more easily through the system."
Oral maxillofacial surgeon Ben Gupta said the new centre would "benefit 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 said.
The Newcastle Herald recently reported a $5 million clinical trials operation - run by Novatrials - will open in Charlestown in August.
Along with the surgical centre, this clinical trials operation is based at the Charlestown Health Hub.
The hub also includes imaging, pathology, a GP clinic and skin cancer clinic.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government has called for expressions of interest for an urgent care clinic at Maitland.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said "this is fantastic news for our community and a big win for locals".
The Medicare clinics provide "walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies".
They aim to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the clinics were "filling the gap between GPs and hospital emergency rooms".
The Newcastle Herald reported in April that high demand for the clinics at Charlestown and Lake Haven had prompted the government to expand them.
At the time, Mr Butler said those two clinics were "some of the busiest in the country".
Labor made an election promise to fund a second doctor at the clinics.
As of now, the government funds the clinics with about $1.2 million a year for one doctor, nurse, receptionist and running costs.
A $20 million surgical centre has opened in Charlestown, boosting access for patients to numerous procedures.
The Ramsay Health Care centre includes three operating theatres with capacity to expand to four, along with 12 inpatient beds and the latest medical equipment.
It provides specialist services including endoscopy, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, gynaecology and Mohs skin cancer surgery.
Ramsay - the country's largest private hospital operator - also owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals.
Its new centre was designed to "meet growing local demand for surgical procedures close to home and reduce pressure on larger hospitals in the region".
The move comes amid volatility in the sector with the receivership of Healthscope, whose hospitals include Newcastle and Hunter Valley private.
Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients.
Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres, said the Charlestown site "demonstrates Ramsay's focus on improving access to high-quality surgical care in regional communities".
"This investment means that residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas have access to the same high-quality surgical services available in major metropolitan centres," Ms Thurwood said.
"Importantly, it also supports better care co-ordination across Ramsay's existing hospitals in the region, helping patients move more easily through the system."
Oral maxillofacial surgeon Ben Gupta said the new centre would "benefit 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 said.
The Newcastle Herald recently reported a $5 million clinical trials operation - run by Novatrials - will open in Charlestown in August.
Along with the surgical centre, this clinical trials operation is based at the Charlestown Health Hub.
The hub also includes imaging, pathology, a GP clinic and skin cancer clinic.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government has called for expressions of interest for an urgent care clinic at Maitland.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said "this is fantastic news for our community and a big win for locals".
The Medicare clinics provide "walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies".
They aim to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the clinics were "filling the gap between GPs and hospital emergency rooms".
The Newcastle Herald reported in April that high demand for the clinics at Charlestown and Lake Haven had prompted the government to expand them.
At the time, Mr Butler said those two clinics were "some of the busiest in the country".
Labor made an election promise to fund a second doctor at the clinics.
As of now, the government funds the clinics with about $1.2 million a year for one doctor, nurse, receptionist and running costs.
A $20 million surgical centre has opened in Charlestown, boosting access for patients to numerous procedures.
The Ramsay Health Care centre includes three operating theatres with capacity to expand to four, along with 12 inpatient beds and the latest medical equipment.
It provides specialist services including endoscopy, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, gynaecology and Mohs skin cancer surgery.
Ramsay - the country's largest private hospital operator - also owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals.
Its new centre was designed to "meet growing local demand for surgical procedures close to home and reduce pressure on larger hospitals in the region".
The move comes amid volatility in the sector with the receivership of Healthscope, whose hospitals include Newcastle and Hunter Valley private.
Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients.
Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres, said the Charlestown site "demonstrates Ramsay's focus on improving access to high-quality surgical care in regional communities".
"This investment means that residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas have access to the same high-quality surgical services available in major metropolitan centres," Ms Thurwood said.
"Importantly, it also supports better care co-ordination across Ramsay's existing hospitals in the region, helping patients move more easily through the system."
Oral maxillofacial surgeon Ben Gupta said the new centre would "benefit 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 said.
The Newcastle Herald recently reported a $5 million clinical trials operation - run by Novatrials - will open in Charlestown in August.
Along with the surgical centre, this clinical trials operation is based at the Charlestown Health Hub.
The hub also includes imaging, pathology, a GP clinic and skin cancer clinic.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government has called for expressions of interest for an urgent care clinic at Maitland.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said "this is fantastic news for our community and a big win for locals".
The Medicare clinics provide "walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies".
They aim to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the clinics were "filling the gap between GPs and hospital emergency rooms".
The Newcastle Herald reported in April that high demand for the clinics at Charlestown and Lake Haven had prompted the government to expand them.
At the time, Mr Butler said those two clinics were "some of the busiest in the country".
Labor made an election promise to fund a second doctor at the clinics.
As of now, the government funds the clinics with about $1.2 million a year for one doctor, nurse, receptionist and running costs.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
7 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'Not up for negotiation': Aussies expected to save $200m a year from major cap on PBS-listed scripts despite tariff threats to industry
Millions of Australians are expected to save $200m in vital medication fees as a landmark bill caps the price of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions at just $25, down from $31.60. The bill is set to take effect from January 1, as the Labor government takes the first steps to legislate the bill and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vows to keep his election pledge on cost of living relief. The changes mean the cost of medicines on the PBS could be significantly reduced by over 20 per cent. Minister for Health, Mark Butler said five million Australians will feel the relief in their pockets. The cost of medicine for pension and concession card holders will remain frozen at $7.70 until the end of 2029. The bill which was announced by Labor during the May election campaign is expected to cost the budget $690m over four years. Mr Albanese said it built on a pledge for cost of living relief. 'This is another example of cost of living relief that helps every Australian,' he said. 'The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your healthcare. My government will continue to deliver cost of living relief for all Australians.' Mr Butler added general patients' medicines haven't been this cheap since 2004. 'The Albanese Government has been focused on delivering cheaper medicines for Australians," he said. 'Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health." The Assistant Health Minister, Emma McBride said the bill was set to pass despite US President Donald Trump's 200 per cent tariff threat on pharmaceutical imports. The US is Australia's biggest pharmaceutical export market and if the tariff is implemented it could cost the Australian economy up to $2.8 billion and force pharmas' to hike up their prices. However, Ms McBride said the PBS is not up for negotiation and "it is not a bargaining chip". "Labor introduced the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to make sure that essential medicines were available to all Australians, and with this introduction of legislation to enact our election commitment, it will mean a cap on $25, which will save Australians about $200 million a year, 5.1 million Australians estimated to benefit," she said.
Sky News AU
8 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Labor's move to reduce PBS prescription cost will save Australians $200 million a year
The Albanese government is set to reduce PBS prescription prices to $25. Health Minister Mark Butler said the move will save five million Australian patients $200 million a year.
7NEWS
10 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Albanese government pushes forward with prescription medicine cap at $25
Medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be capped at $25 per prescription from the start of 2026, down from the current $31.60, with the Albanese government to introduce laws confirming the changes this week. The major federal election promise will also see the price of PBS scripts frozen at its current level of $7.70 for pensioners until 2030. The changes will cost taxpayers $200 million per year, but are likely to be popular with voters. The Coalition matched the policy during the election and is likely to see the bill pass through parliament relatively quickly. However, Labor used the policy during the federal campaign in April and May to run a scare campaign accusing Peter Dutton and the Opposition of being 'Trump-Lite' and wanting a US style health system. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, says: 'The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your healthcare'. 'We said we would make cheaper medicines even cheaper - that is exactly what we are doing,' Albanese said. 'This is another example of cost of living relief that helps every Australian. The Health Minister, Mark Butler, says the last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago. 'The Albanese Government has been focused on delivering cheaper medicines for Australians,' Butler said. 'Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.' The Albanese Government has started the first two sitting weeks of its second term trying to keep the focus on its election promises. Last week it introduced bills to cut HECS debt by 20 percent, entrench penalty rates in workplace agreements, and safety reforms for the childcare sector.
