Theatres expanded to deal with surgery

Key facts

• New operating theatre opens
• Fit out completed in 30 days
• Used for robotic joint replacement, neurosurgery, plastics and gynaecological procedures.

The theatre brings the latest technology to patients in the Geelong and south-west region.

A new operating theatre has opened at Epworth Geelong, giving patients access to surgery that may have been delayed during the global pandemic.

The high-tech theatre is the latest expansion of services at the hospital. It will be used for robotic joint replacement surgery, neurosurgery, plastics and gynaecological procedures.

Leonie Lloyd, Executive General Manager, Epworth Geelong, said the theatre brings the latest technology to patients in the Geelong and 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.”

As well as improved imaging, the fit out includes a new style of theatre lights which reduce shadows, making theatre conditions better for surgeons and patients.

Expanded services

Ms Lloyd said the new theatre is the latest expansion of services at Epworth Geelong to improve patient care.

“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.”

“We have also increased our Intensive Care Unit Capacity by a third and expanded our Emergency Department to 24 hours a day”.

The fit out of the new theatre by Wilhelm, took just 30 days.

Mickey Weiser, Senior Theatre Technician & Project Coordinator at Epworth Geelong said it’s great to have the theatre functional so quickly.

“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.”