Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Geelong on Wednesday for the official opening of Waurn Pond’s Epworth Hospital.
The not-for-profit private hospital has been open since 2 July but other commitments had prevented Mr Turnbull from attending until this week.
“I know I’m a little late in the opening,” he said.
“My government believes that all Australians must have access to affordable, quality health care.”
The hospital would employ Geelong’s first regional neurosurgeon who would begin operating next year, Mr Turnbull said.
“That means critical care can be done here and, importantly, patients requiring surgery can have their operation and care closer to home and their families.”
Mr Turnbull compared the hospital to a luxury hotel.
“I think the Hilton Hotel chain has got quite a few hotels that aren’t as good looking as this.”
A patient felt that staying in the hospital was like winning the lottery, Mr Turnbull said.
“I’m amazed by what you’ve created.”
Mr Turnbull praised the work of local MPs in promoting the hospital and its medical staff.
“What Epworth has done is given you the environment and the technology to exceed in the care you give like you never have before.”
