50th anniversary for Gold Coast hospital

Pindara Private Hospital is celebrating 50 years of serving Gold Coast communities, having treated an estimated one million patients since opening on 30 October 1971.

Starting out as a 64-bed hospital with three operating theatres, it now boasts 384 beds, 14 operating theatres, a cardiac catheterisation lab, intensive and critical care units, plus a pioneering emergency department.

"Pindara has experienced incredible growth and it's only going to continue," CEO Mark Page said.

"We have a $45 million project on right now which will provide us with two new private wards and two more state-of-the-art operating theatres."

Now caring for more than 50,000 patients each year, the hospital is also actively involved in teaching and research, having developed a clinical trials unit in recent years.

"We currently have more than 25 clinical trials running across the fields of oncology, haematology, respiratory and paediatrics," Mr Page added.

The hospital's success is reflected in its long-serving staff and returning patients.

"We have so many talented professionals from our doctors and nurses to housekeeping and catering, who genuinely believe in delivering the best outcomes for our patients," said Director of Clinical and Hospitality Services Jan Lloyd, who started at Pindara Private as a midwife in 1987.

"So many patients choose to keep coming back whether it's maternity or oncology or even palliative care."

Dr Andrew Cary has delivered more than 5,000 babies since joining Pindara Private in 1993, following in the footsteps of his fatherIan – who was also an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and spent 20 years at the hospital from 1979.

"Back in the beginning there were two birth suites – now there are five – and while we have everything we need medically, the maternity unit doesn't feel too medicalised," Dr Cary said.

"From the patient's point of view, they're beautiful, comfortable rooms and there's a very individualised approach to every patient."

Pindara opened Australia's first private emergency department in 1987, which tripled in size with a $12 million redevelopment in 2016.

"I want to thank our entire team who put our patients first every single day and to our patients, thank you for trusting in us to care for you," Mr Page said.

"I'm especially proud of all of our doctors and staff who over the past 18 months or so have never wavered in providing great care and service despite the myriad of challenges COVID-19 has thrown at us."

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