News

Figtree Private Hospital swings into new role

Jan 28, 2016

Figtree Private Hospital has taken the “New Year, New You” health mantra to heart with a stunning transformation into a rehabilitation and medical facility.

With all surgical procedures previously performed at the suburban hospital transported to the new Wollongong Private Hospital, Figtree is now free to dedicate its resources to guiding patients through the rigours of recovery, ensuring the best chance of positive, long-term health outcomes.

The hospital currently boasts 40 beds including 27 for medical care, 10 for in-patient rehabilitation and three for sleep studies and more are planned as the surgical ward is redeveloped to suit the new operations. It is anticipated that by June the hospital will have 68 beds including a state-of-the-art upgraded sleep studies unit.

Figtree Private Hospital CEO Paul McKenna says that after caring for Illawarra patients for 37 years, the Figtree facility is now being redefined to extend the company’s rehabilitation services in the region, offering a more convenient location for residents south of Wollongong CBD.

 “While the opening of the Wollongong Private Hospital has allowed us to better cater for the surgical, medical and obstetric demands of a growing population, it has also provided us with the unique opportunity to create a rehabilitation centre at Figtree Private Hospital. Together with Lawrence Hargrave Private and Wollongong Private, our new facility will form part of an integrated health service offering, provided by Ramsay Health Care in the Illawarra,” he said.

“We’ve already opened the new Rixon Ward, our former maternity beds have been turned into medical beds and we will continue to evolve over the next few years.

“Our former surgical ward will be the next to be redeveloped. We will be extending upon Illawarra’s Ramsay Professional Services currently offered at Lawrence Hargrave Private Hospital, to deliver a direct-to-the-public “shop front” for allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and a range of other specialist services.

“We have a long-term plan for a hydrotherapy pool, multiple gymnasiums and care collaborations with pivotal regional organisations.

“It’s a marked investment in the future of Figtree Private Hospital that will also mean increased staffing numbers and easy access for patients to a raft of rehabilitation services under the one roof.

“We want people to know that Figtree has not closed its doors and will endeavour to offer state-of-the-art rehabilitation services for many decades to come.”