Patients can expect shorter waiting times at Werribee Mercy Hospital after the appointment of five new surgical specialists to its ranks.
Two urologists, a general surgeon, an orthopaedic surgeon and a colorectal surgeon recently joined the team to help treat Wyndham’s growing population.
The latest addition means Werribee Mercy has 32 surgical specialists on its books.
Mercy Health chief executive of health services Linda Mellors said the number and range of surgical services would continue to grow beyond the hospital’s current $85 million expansion.
“Six additional operating theatres will be built as part of the expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital, funded by the Victorian government, allowing us to treat more patients and reduce waiting times,” Dr Mellors said.
Funding for the expansion, outlined in the state government’s 2015-16 budget, will allow the hospital to go ahead with its plan to build the six operating theatres and add 64 general beds, including eight for critical-care.
The expansion will be housed in four storeys, to be built above the Catherine McAuley Centre, facing the Princes Highway.
Urologist Jamie Kearsley, who studied at the University of Melbourne and has worked at hospitals across Melbourne since 2004, is one of two new specialists in the urology unit, effectively doubling the department.
The added numbers mean the urology team can provide a 24-hour service to patients presenting at the emergency department.
“I look forward to serving the Wyndham community and, in time, providing a full service with all modern urological techniques and conditions treated at Werribee Mercy Hospital,” Mr Kearsley said.
