50 years of top-class care

15/08/23

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital is celebrating the people who have helped bring top-class private healthcare to New South Wales' Hunter Region communities for the past 50 years.

After opening in 1973 with just 36 beds, it is now a 187-bed acute medical and advanced surgical facility with seven operating theatres.

The hospital will soon grow to 248 inpatient beds with the double the number of operating theatres, plus a third cardiac catheterisation lab, an enhanced 24-hour emergency department, and on-site radiology and oncology services.

“We’re currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar redevelopment to further expand Lake Macquarie Private Hospital so we can care for even more of our local community members,” CEO Sharon Rewitt said.

“The best feature of Lake Macquarie Private however, in my opinion, is the wonderful team of experienced and caring people we have working here.”

Director of Finance Lee Sexton has been with the Gateshead-based hospital for more than 33 years.

“It’s quite incredible to reflect on what the hospital was when I began, to where it is now, and what is on the horizon for this great facility,” she said. 

“By far and without a doubt the best thing about working at Lake Macquarie Private is the people. 

“I’ve made so many lifelong friends, had some amazing mentors along the way and been fortunate to have worked with so many amazing and diverse individuals.”

In 1986, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital opened the first private cardiac angiography unit between Sydney and Brisbane.

In 2002, it was bought by Australia’s largest private hospitals operator, Ramsay Health Care, and in 2015 it opened the region’s first private emergency department.

“Wherever possible, we want Hunter residents to be able to avoid travelling to Brisbane, Sydney or Canberra to access the private healthcare services they require,” Ms Rewitt said.

“We’re committed to offering vital services close to home, supported by experienced, passionate staff and a purpose-built facility incorporating advanced technology including our Da Vinci robot.”