Y-Zetts’ donation helps equip Grampians Health Stawell’s $5 million second operating theatre

A $15,000 donation from the Stawell Y-Zetts will greatly assist in providing some of the equipment for Grampians Health Stawell’s new second operating theatre.

Funds donated through the Y-Zetts’ annual fundraising event have been used to purchase a specialised surgical stool, two scout trolleys and an anaesthetic cart for the new theatre.

The surgical stool, with fully adjustable back and armrests, will provide surgeons with enhanced comfort and precision during procedures, ultimately improving patient care.

The trolleys and anaesthetic cart will help the new theatre mirror the setup of the existing theatre, creating a consistent and cohesive working environment that enhances efficiency for surgical teams.

Stawell Site Director Sue Campigli thanked the Y-Zetts for their generous donation, acknowledging the group’s contribution towards helping to increase surgical capacity and improve patient outcomes in the region.

“We are incredibly excited to see the second theatre taking shape and reaching key milestones. We are also now moving into the next phase, recruiting staff for this much-anticipated facility,” Ms Campigli said.

CEO Dale Fraser, who inspected progress of the second theatre last week, said Grampians Health was extremely appreciative of the support from the Stawell community.

“Grampians Health greatly appreciates the generous contributions the Y-Zetts have provided our healthcare service over the many years. The group’s latest donation will help equip our new theatre which will bring significant benefits to Stawell residents by delivering high quality care closer to home,” Mr Fraser said.

Construction of the theatre, led by Capital Projects Director Stuart Squire and Senior Project Manager Tony Van Eekelen, with clinical support from Stawell Operating Theatre Manager Sally Hamilton, will position Grampians Health Stawell as a leading provider in specialised healthcare services including ophthalmology, endoscopy, gynaecology and general surgery.

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier said the project was progressing well and remained on schedule.

“Last week we saw the completion of plasterboard in the new space which marked another significant milestone for the project,” Ms Furnier said.

Y-Zetts President Meg Blake said the group was proud to support a project that would directly benefit the community and ensure patients had access to the best care possible. She also expressed gratitude to the community for their continued support of the fundraiser.

Key features of the second theatre include a renovated endoscopy reprocessing room, sterile stock storage area, dedicated staff write-up space, an expanded recovery area, an eye block anaesthesia area, enhanced staff amenities and cutting-edge medical equipment.

The second theatre is expected to be completed in March 2025.