The Orthopaedic Institute opens its doors to patients

A $30 million orthopaedic surgical centre has opened its doors to patients at Macquarie University Hospital.

The Orthopaedic Institute is a joint venture between Medibank’s Amplar Health and a group of orthopaedic surgeons, with floor space contributed by MQ Health.

Located on a dedicated floor of Macquarie University Hospital, the facility has four state-of-the-art theatres with robotic technology and 29 beds supporting a model that delivers patient care in the optimal setting.

The model combines pre-assessment and pre-habilitation to enhance patient recovery, helping them return home sooner where they receive care in the comfort of their own environment supported by visiting health professionals.

The Orthopaedic Institute is accessible to all patients regardless of their private health insurance fund or if they are self-funded, with insured patients having access to surgeons who participate in arrangements that limit out-of-pocket costs.

MQ Health Chief Executive Walter Kmet said Macquarie University Hospital was proud to have partnered with Amplar Health and the consortium of surgeons to bring the innovative facility to life.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients, and it is particularly important that we are prepared to meet the increasing demand for joint replacement over coming years,” he said.

“We have invested strategically in state-of-the-art robotic systems to ensure we are providing the best precision surgery available in orthopaedics and other specialty areas.”

The Institute offers a comprehensive range of services, from hip and knee replacements to upper and lower limb reconstructions, with a choice of post-operative pathways for suitable patients.

The facility saw its first patients on 29 January 2024 and was officially opened today. Dr Janette Randall, Amplar Health’s Chief Medical Officer said at the launch, “The Orthopaedic Hospital is a prime example of innovation in healthcare, a hospital that responds to the changing way Australians want their healthcare delivered.”

Dr Randall added, “The community want more choice, value and control – with a large shift in focus on individual health and personal needs. Rapid adoption of an enhanced recovery model of care, whereby patients reduce their time in hospital and go home to recover in the comfort of their own environment is a great example of innovation that delivers for the patient and will support the sustainability of our health system.”