Latrobe Health Services will invest $15.93M for a major upgrade and expansion of Maryvale Private Hospital, doubling the hospital’s surgical throughput and creating more than 110 jobs both during construction and ongoing.

The redevelopment works take place from January 2022 and include two new operating theatres and an additional 19 beds.

A post-acute care recovery unit, new admission and waiting areas, consulting suites expansion, surgical sterilisation upgrade and staff, patient and visitor amenities are part of the upgrade.

Latrobe Health Services owns Maryvale Private Hospital and announced the funding as part of its commitment to ensuring access to quality health services in the region.

Latrobe Health Services Chief Executive Officer Ian Whitehead said the $15.93M investment would more than double surgical capacity with two additional operating theatres, day surgery unit and sterilising department.

“The redevelopment of Maryvale Private Hospital provides modern surgical facilities and amenities that mean private hospital patients are more likely to receive the care they need close to home, reducing the burden of travel,” Mr Whitehead said.

“It also makes working from Gippsland a more attractive option for specialist surgeons and physicians, improving access to health services within the region.”

Maryvale Hospital Board Chair Therese Tierney said staff, doctors and surgeons were excited to offer improved patient experience.

“For patients, the redevelopment represents an increase in specialist services available and contemporary and first-rate care in Gippsland. The creation of the purpose-built modern-day surgery facilities will mean that patients will experience smooth and streamlined admission and reduced waiting times in the hospital.

“Each year, about 38,000 Gippslanders are admitted for treatment in private hospitals. This development will mean more options and less need to travel for those within the region wanting to access specialist health care.”

Latrobe Health Services established Maryvale Private Hospital in 1991 and it has cared for more than 55,000 patients and 151,000 bed days over its three decades of operations.

Maryvale Private Hospital CEO Lee Garwood said Maryvale’s exceptional reputation would be further enhanced because of the redevelopment, particularly among Gippslanders who have been using the hospital’s services since 1991.

“We are very excited that Latrobe Health Services has the commitment and the confidence to invest in our hospital so that we can continue to provide valuable services to our community.

“We understand that accessing elective surgeries now is challenging. Maryvale Private Hospital is committed to helping Gippslanders access the services they need as soon as possible – and expanding our services to for the growing needs of our community.

Following an extensive tender process, INTREC Management has been appointed to delivery Maryvale’s redevelopment. INTREC is a privately-owned Australian company, specialising in construction, commercial fit outs and building refurbishment with extensive expertise and experience in the health sector with recent health builds completed at West Gippsland Health Services (Warragul Hospital) and Frankston Public Hospital.

The redevelopment of Maryvale Private Hospital is estimated to support more than 110 construction, clinical and non-clinical jobs in Gippsland including project construction, specialists and nursing staff, administration, contractors and suppliers.