Grampians Health opens second operating theatre in Stawell
Grampians Health has officially opened a new $5.15 million second operating theatre at its Stawell campus, marking a significant expansion of surgical services for the region.
Designed to enhance patient care and streamline procedures, the new theatre features an expanded recovery area, a dedicated endoscopy reprocessing room, sterile stock storage, a staff write-up space, an eye block anaesthesia area, improved staff amenities, and state-of-the-art medical equipment.
CEO Dale Fraser said the second operating theatre would significantly boost surgical capacity in the region, provide local patients with greater access to services and care closer to home.
“Grampians Health is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare for our communities as we believe that regional and rural Victoria deserves equality in health access no matter where you live,” Mr Fraser said.
“The new theatre is testament to Grampians Health’s commitment to providing safe, connected, and patient-centred services across our campuses.
“It also strengthens Grampians Health Stawell’s role as a provider of specialised surgical services, including ophthalmology, endoscopy, gynaecology, and general surgery.”
Stawell Site Director Sue Campigli said the opening of the new theatre was a significant milestone for the campus as it would deliver significant benefits for the Stawell community.
“The second theatre will reduce surgical wait times and allow more patients to receive treatment locally, without the burden of travelling elsewhere,” Ms Campigli said.
“With the theatre development now complete, we have recommenced surgeries at Stawell. I cannot thank my incredible team enough for all the hard work they have done in helping to deliver the second theatre in such a short timeframe. I would also like to thank both our staff and the community for their support during the construction phase of the new theatre.
“Special thanks to Stawell Operating Theatre Manager Sally Hamilton for leading the clinical aspects of the build, as well as our Capital Projects team, led by Capital Projects Director Stuart Squire and Senior Project Manager Delivery Tony Van Eekelen.”
Ms Campigli also acknowledged the generosity of the Foundation, Stawell Hospital Auxiliary and the Y-Zetts, whose donations have funded essential equipment for the new theatre.
“Their ongoing contributions have been nothing short of outstanding, and we are truly grateful for their support,” Ms Campigli said.
Following its formation in 2021, Grampians Health has increased access to specialist care for the local community in Stawell and the surrounding region. A new haematology clinic, women’s health clinics, and initiation of weekly visits by geriatricians to Stawell’s hospital are among the new services that were introduced to improve the health outcomes among the local communities.