'Most significant' expansion to meet patient needs

Patients in Melbourne's northern suburbs will have greater access to world-class healthcare thanks to a major $180 million expansion of Warringal Private Hospital.

The three-stage project is the largest brownfields development taken on by owner Ramsay Health Care.

Australia's largest private hospitals operator has announced plans to almost double the size of the existing facility.

"This expansion willprovide new facilities to enableof our community to receive the care they need locally – closer to home, family and friends," Warringal Private Hospital Kieron Martin said.

"The redevelopment is the most significant expansion in our hospital's 43-year history and shows Ramsay Health Care's commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of thecommunities north of Melbourne."

The hospital will be transformed into a state-of-the-art multi-tower facility with 290 beds – 131 more than it has now.

Itwill feature14 operating theatres,a biggerintensive care unit,anewemergency department, a new21-bed day surgery and a diagnostic imaging service.

"With population growth in our region predicted toincreasesignificantly in coming years,this work will ensure Warringal Private Hospital is well placed to meet theprivate healthcareneeds of the northern suburbswell into the future,"Mr Martin said.

Ramsay Health Care is also expanding its mental health services in Victoria, opening its first psychology clinic in the state.

Ramsay Psychology Bundoora in north-east Melbourne aims todeliver much-neededoutpatientmental health services, catering for increasing demand experienced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While we still offer psychology services in our hospitals, many people who need to see a clinician don't need to behospitalised,so this is a more appropriate option for them," saidRamsay Health Care's Director of Mental Health Strategy, David McGrath.

"For many people a few sessions in a community-based environmentisall they need to see a significant improvement in their life experience.

"Ramsay PsychologyBundoorawill also be a good service for those who previously required hospital treatment and want to do follow-up sessions in a community setting once they have been discharged."

It opened in September 2022 and is Ramsay's 12thstandalone psychology clinic following the launch of five sites in south-east Queensland andsixin New South Wales.

RegisteredPsychologistLorena Villalonsaid the Bundoora team would provide personalised care for adults, teenagers, children, couples and families across a wide range of mental health conditions and symptoms.

"We understand that mental health, and mental health challenges, look different for everyone. That's why our psychologists are experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies and have a triage service to carefully match patients with the best psychologist for their needs," she said.

Read more: Robot system offers safer spinal surgery

Read more: Warringal teams defuse 'ticking time bomb'

Next Industry Talk:
11/10/2022 Hospital wins global award for energy reduction

Previous Industry Talk:
29/8/2022 Worrying trend as 'missing' hospital admissions grow