Epworth Geelong to expand to serve growing community

Epworth HealthCare will significantly increase hospital beds and operating theatres at Epworth Geelong, including ramping up orthopaedics, cardiology and cancer treatment and further develop the region’s only neurosurgical service.

Epworth will also significantly enhance clinical and consulting expertise in medical and surgical services overall including gynaecology, ophthalmology, and urology.

“We are absolutely committed to serving the community needs of the growing Geelong region and this investment will build on our world-class care,’’ said Epworth HealthCare Group Chief Executive Professor Andrew Stripp.

Prof. Stripp commissioned a strategic review of Epworth Geelong when he became Group Chief Executive late last year which has led to the growth plan. A new Epworth Geelong Executive General Manager, Michael Mitchell, has also been recruited from Gosford Private Hospital to lead the ambitious growth.

Alongside the public hospital, Epworth Geelong hospital treats more than 35,000 patients annually through the only other 24/7 Emergency Department in the area.

Under the plan, Epworth Geelong will get an extra 66 beds to add to their existing 250 beds, plus two additional operating theatres to significantly increase orthopaedic capacity and cater for more complex cardiology procedures.

The extra beds will cater for Geelong’s rising population as well as serving patients from Melbourne’s west, Warrnambool and Ballarat.

Prof. Stripp said further developing our Neurosurgical and neurology services would attract leading clinical experts ensuring Geelong and surrounding regions will receive the best treatment. Our ambition over time is to establish a neuroscience centre that will focus on complex neurosurgery and world-leading treatment of acute neurological conditions, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, spinal cord injuries.

“Our goal is for Geelong to develop an enviable reputation for world-class brain, spinal and nervous system research and care.’’

“Being a not-for-profit health service is something we’re proud of, and it allows us to give back to our communities. As a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus revenue is invested back into Victorian communities so that patients will have access to world-class care near where they live, as clinical research and educating the next generation of clinicians.’’