Day procedure unit is opened

Brisbane Water Private Hospital officially opened its recently completed day procedure unit on June 15.

General manager Ms Pam Morphett welcomed dignitaries to the ceremony including Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher, Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews, Healthscope State Manager Mr Paul Waterson, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce representatives Debra and Matthew Wales, Central Coast Business Review editor Mr Edgar Adams, representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs community, doctors, staff, relatives and friends of the hospital.

"Brisbane Waters Private Hospital has been owned by Healthscope for two years and without their support the hospital wouldn't have achieved the opening of the day procedure unit," Ms Morphett said.

"It's quite remarkable what we have done in the last three months, and we appreciate their contributions."

Ms Morphett said that, reflecting on 11 years at the hospital, she realized there were three things that make it unique.

"The first thing is the medical staff.

"They trust the hospital and support the hospital and admit patients who they know will benefit from the hospital's services.

"So we thank the doctors," Ms Morphett said.

"Secondly, we thank the staff.

"They not only go the extra step, they go the extra mile, and they deliver the highest of quality care.

"They also make sure that every patient is treated with dignity and respect.

"And the patients ... are the people who spread the good news and good will around the community and they are instrumental in the success of the hospital."

Cr Maher, whose daughter worked at the hospital for a number of years, said he was "very honoured" to declare the new additions open.

"In terms of hospitals, as we get older, we are going to need more and more of them," Cr Maher said.

"The young people need them just as much.

"We older people really have to look to that infrastructure in going forward.

"Our population isn't getting any younger.

"Our elderly population is going to keep on growing and will continue to put pressure on our medical services and hospital services.

"It's really great to see the public and private sector contributing to making sure we can live out our days in health, and wonderful support."

Day procedure unit nurse manager Ms Gay Leggett thanked the doctors and patients who "remained faithful despite some cramped and non-private conditions".

Ms Leggett said: "Thank you Healthscope for having the faith and spending the dollars.

"We have always had the right customer focus and now we have the facilities to match it."

Ms Leggett also thanked volunteers who raised $15,000 for a new fish tank in the day procedure unit.

Lyle Stone, 20 Jun 2007