Gavin Watts, digital subtraction angiography section manager and radiographer, in the new theatre.
Leading the way in brain care
Sydney Adventist Hospital (the San) has launched a neurosurgery theatre described as the most advanced of its kind in Australia.
The new interventional neuroradiology theatre will benefit Australians suffering from strokes, aneurysms and other life-threatening neurological conditions. According to the San, it is only the second such facility in the world outside the United States.
The state-of-the-art hybrid theatre enables patients to be diagnosed and treated simultaneously in the same room, removing the need for transfer and allowing clinicians to act faster in time-critical situations.
The theatre was officially opened on April 1 by Member for Wahroonga Alister Henskens during an event attended by local dignitaries.
Head of neurosurgery at the San, Clinical Professor Brian Owler said the new theatre represents a major step forward for both patients and clinicians.
“By combining advanced biplane imaging with open neurosurgery capability in a single operating room, we can diagnose and treat patients in real time, without delay. It brings faster diagnoses, greater precision and improved patient outcomes,” he said.
“For clinicians, it enhances speed, accuracy and confidence in performing highly complex procedures, particularly in stroke and aneurysm cases where every minute matters.”
Adventist HealthCare CEO Brett Goods said the investment reflects the growing need for advanced neurological care in the community.
“Stroke affects more than 55,000 Australians every year and remains one of the leading causes of death and disability,” he said.
“We know rapid intervention can significantly improve outcomes, which is why this new theatre is so important for our community. It ensures patients can access advanced, life-saving care quickly and close to home, while allowing us to treat more neurological patients on site and reduce the need for urgent transfers.”
The new theatre was made possible through donations to the San Foundation.
The development establishes the San as a leading centre of excellence in neurosurgery and stroke care in Australia and builds on its recent recognition as the country’s first private hospital to receive an Angels Award from the World Stroke Organisation, achieving gold status for excellence in stroke care.
