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Sydney Adventist Hospital has opened Australia's most advanced neurosurgery theatre, giving patients access to critical life-saving care.
The state-of-the-art hybrid theatre at New South Wales' largest private hospital - also known as the San – enables patients to be diagnosed and treated simultaneously in the same room.
Only the second of its kind in the world, outside of the United States, it removes the need for transfers and helps clinicians act faster in time-critical situations.
"By combining advanced biplane imaging with open neurosurgery capability in a single operating room, we can diagnose and treat patients in real time, without delay," said the San's Head of Neurosurgery, Clinical Professor Brian Owler.
"It brings faster diagnosis, greater precision and improved patient outcomes."
When it comes to brain care, time is of the essence, and patients across the state suffering from strokes, aneurysms and other life-threatening neurological conditions will benefit from the new interventional neuroradiology theatre.
"For clinicians, it enhances speed, accuracy and confidence in performing highly complex procedures, particularly in stroke and aneurysm cases where every minute matters," Prof Owler said.
"The San is now home to Australia's most advanced private neurosurgery theatre."
The purpose-built facility features state-of-the-art biplane technology within a dedicated, highly-specialised environment designed to support complex endovascular and neurosurgical procedures.
Located alongside on-site emergency and neurological services, the new theatre strengthens the hospital's ability to deliver integrated, end-to-end care for stroke and complex neurological conditions.
Adventist HealthCare CEO Brett Goods said the investment reflected the growing need for advanced neurological care in the community.
Strokes are caused by restricted blood flow to the brain
"Stroke affects more than 55,000 Australians every year and remains one of the leading causes of death and disability," he said.
"We know rapid intervention can significantly improve outcomes, which is why this new theatre is so important for our community.
"It ensures patients can access advanced, life-saving care quickly and close to home, while allowing us to treat more neurological patients on site and reduce the need for urgent transfers."
Mr Goods was "incredibly grateful" to the donors of the San Foundation, whose funding made the project possible.
"They continue to ensure our clinicians have access to the most advanced tools to deliver exceptional care," he said.
The theatre was officially launched at an event held at the hospital on Wednesday 1 April 2026, attended by local dignitaries, and opened by State MP for Wahroonga, Alister Henskens.
Mr Goods said the new theatre positioned the San as a leading centre of excellence in neurosurgery and stroke care in Australia, building on the hospital's recent recognition as the country's first private hospital to receive an Angels Award from the World Stroke Organisation.
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