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Patients at St George Private Hospital can rest assured they are in good hands after the Sydney facility retained its status as a Bariatric Centre of Excellence.
Australia's highest volume hospital for weight-loss procedures was the first internationally-accredited Bariatric Centre of Excellence in 2012 and since then has consistently maintained its rating by the prestigious international Surgical Review Corporation.
Bariatric surgery is a medical term for operations used to manage obesity and obesity-related conditions.
St George Private's bariatric unit was established in 1998 by Dr Ken Loi, Dr Vytauras Kuzinkovas, Dr Michael Talbot and Dr John Jorgenson.
It now has 10 bariatric surgeons and a team of specialised nurses performing more than 1,400 procedures each year.
DrKuzinkovassaid the accreditationwas a "tremendous honour and a validation of our commitment to providing exceptional care".
"It underscores our commitment to excellence in healthcare and distinguishes us as a trusted provider in the field of bariatric surgery,"DrKuzinkovassaid.
"For patients, it signifies they are receiving care at a facility that adheres to the most rigorous standards in bariatric surgery.
"This recognition assures them that their wellbeing is our top priority."
Dr Talbot said he was proudthe team's years of hard work and training was recognised again.
"St George Private was the first hospital in Australia and New Zealand to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence, over a decade ago," he said.
"This same team hasmaintainedthe same level of care for patients receiving metabolic bariatric surgerysince then.
"Thismeans our safety systems and,just as importantly,our personal care systems have been reviewedand found to be at the highest standard."
Dr Jorgensen said the team was continually striving towards better and safer care.
"It's in the DNA of all staff," he said.
"We're all dedicated to ethical and quality outcomes and providing patients with the best possible evidence-based care."
To obtain a designation as a Centre of Excellence, the Surgical Review Corporation requires hospitals to supply "a high concentration of expertise in a particular area of medicine, delivering excellent care and the best patient outcomes possible".
DrKuzinkovassaid the staff in the unit were invaluable.
"The support team is exceptional. Our nurses, anaesthetists and all staff play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and patient-centred experience," he said.
"Their commitment to excellence, compassion, and teamwork contributes significantly to the overall success of our bariatric program.
"Their dedication is truly commendable."
Read more: St George Private the nation's leading weight-loss hospital
Read more: Sydney hospital 'centre of excellence' for weight-loss surgery
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