Epworth Geelong has opened a new, high-tech operating theatre in the latest stage of its expansion of services.
The new theatre will allow the hospital to offer increased access to patients who may have had their surgery delayed during the global pandemic.
The facilities will be used for a wide range of surgeries, including robotic joint replacement surgery, neurosurgery, plastics and gynaecological procedures.
Epworth executive general manager Leonie Lloyd said the theatre boasts the latest technology, which will result in better outcomes for patients in Geelong and the south-west region.
“The new theatre has 4K camera and imaging equipment, providing better quality imaging during operations,” Ms Lloyd said.
“This technology means we can share images in real time in a telehealth consult if required, to get advice from another specialist.”
The theatre also which also features a new style of theatre lights that reduce shadows and improve conditions for surgeons.
Ms Lloyd said the new theatre was a continuation of Epworth’s efforts to expand its services over the last year.
“Late last year, we became the first hospital in regional Victoria to have a Mako orthopaedic surgical robot, and the first hospital in the region to combine an intraoperative CT theatre scanner with navigation technology to guide surgeons during complex neurosurgery,” she said.
“We have also increased our intensive care unit capacity by a third and expanded our emergency department to 24 hours a day”.
The theatre was fitted out by Wilhelm Integrated Solutions, an Australian owned healthcare technology company, over a period of just 30 days.
Epworth Geelong senior theatre technician and project co-ordinator Mickey Weiser said the quick fit out allowed the hospital to begin delivering surgeries ahead of schedule.
“There has been a worldwide delay in accessing theatre equipment due to supply chain issues caused by the global pandemic,” Mr Weiser said.
“Having the theatre operational in four weeks means we can treat patients sooner.”
