Enhancing Patient Care With Hospital's Sixth Perioperative Theatre

Mater Private Hospital Mackay has completed a $7.3 million expansion and refurbishment of its operating theatres as part of its drive to meet the region’s growing health needs. The project included the construction of a sixth perioperative theatre, new sterile storage and cleaning areas, and updated patient waiting and holding bays.

The hospital’s previous suite of theatres performed around 12,000 procedures each year.
Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said the expansion was part of strategic planning when the facility was constructed in 2003.
“Forward-planning designs for our Willetts Road campus allowed space for a sixth operating theatre until our region approached key milestones,” Ms Wade said.
“When we identified that these regional milestones – such as population growth, average age, and clinician demand – were nearing, we were able to convert that space into perioperative theatre six, as well as complementary spaces such as patient waiting and sterile storage areas.”
Mater Private Hospital Mackay Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Dr Naguesh Gaunekar said the expansion would be appreciated by patients and clinicians alike.
“This expansion will improve the patient flow through theatre which, in turn, will improve patient outcomes,” Dr Gaunekar said.
“I’ve been lucky to follow progress of the construction over the past few months and it is very exciting to see the project complete. I already have lists booked in theatre six.”
Ms Wade thanked contractors and theatre staff for ensuring the expansion took place without impacting other operating theatres.
“The collaboration between our principal contractor Paynters and our local project team ensured quality of care for our patients remained a top priority. It is an incredible feat that the project was completed without cancellation of any lists in our other operating theatres,” Ms Wade said.
“From the inception of our facility, the Mackay community has rallied behind Mater, demonstrating unwavering support which has once again been demonstrated with this project.
“Some $3.65 million of this $7.3 million project was made possible through community fundraising conducted by both Mater Foundation and the Mackay Mater Auxiliary.
“This is in addition to significant investment over the past three years to provide cutting edge surgical robotic equipment including the da Vinci X and Stryker Mako surgical assist robots.
“Both are the first of their kind in Mackay and demonstrate our commitment to providing the same level of care to Queenslanders whether they live in Mackay or the capital cities.”
The first procedures will be performed in theatre six later this month.

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A blessing was recently conducted at the Mater Private Hospital Mackay for the opening of their sixth perioperative theatre, ensuring a positive step forward in regional healthcare. Photo Credit: Jennifer Treloar Photography

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