Gosford Hospital’s four year $348M transformation is now complete, with a new cardiovascular suite, cancer day unit, and Aboriginal Cultural Lounge and courtyard the final additions to the development.
Coast Community News joined Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, for an on-site look at the newest units on November 29. The cardiovascular suite features two new cardiac catheterisation laboratories fitted out with the latest technology, as well as space for a third laboratory to meet future population growth and clinical needs.
More recovery beds have been added to the unit and clinicians will have more space to manoeuvre during procedures. Head of Cardiology, Dr Maged William, said staff were “very pleased and proud” that the new unit would provide a 24/7 on call service for heart attack patients.
“This is the first time this service has been offered on the Coast, ” Dr William said. “Previously patients would have to be transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital on weekends. “But now we have the tools for complete diagnosis and treatment right here on the Coast. “
We can be confident that we have done the best job possible for the patient here at Gosford. ” Dr Wiliam said the 24/7 service would commence on February 3, 2020. The Cancer Day Unit provides a brighter and more spacious environment for patients and their carers and has the capacity to double in size to meet growing demand.
Located directly above the Cancer Centre in the refurbished older part of the hospital, the unit was temporarily housed in the new hospital tower while refurbishment work was completed.
Manager of Cancer Services, Leanne Cowie, said patients had “settled in well” following the opening of the unit in its permanent location in late November. “It’s in the perfect location now, ” she said. “Patients can come straight up in the lift from the Cancer Centre if they need to, and access is much improved for day patients. Gary Isberg of Lake Haven was one of the first patients to make use of the new facilities.
“People really make the difference and everyone here has a smile on their face, ” he said. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. ” For Aboriginal patients, the new Aboriginal Cultural Lounge and courtyard are a welcome addition to the hospital, according to Manager of Aboriginal Health, Steve Ella, who said that many Aboriginal patients had “trust issues” with hospitals. “An area like this makes them feel safe and breaks down barriers, ” Ella said.
Aboriginal Liaison Officers are on-hand to support patients and families during their stay and patients and visitors can enjoy a quiet coffee either in the lounge area or in the tiled outdoor courtyard with a glassed roof.
Crouch said the refurbished hospital not only provided first class facilities for patients, but also boosted local construction and health jobs. “Before the 2015 election we committed to redevelop Gosford Hospital, and it makes me immensely proud that we are future proofing healthcare on the Coast, with the $200M Wyong Hospital redevelopment now in the construction phase, ” he said.
Enhancements were also made to the emergency department’s short stay unit, operating theatre support areas and paediatric, allied and respiratory areas.
Source: Site inspection, Gosford Hospital, Nov 29 Reporter: Terry Collins