Lake Macquarie Private Hospital earns Hunter’s first Centre of Excellence accreditation for weight-loss surgery
Patients considering weight-loss surgery in the Hunter region have added reassurance about the quality and safety of care available locally. Lake Macquarie Private Hospital has achieved Centre of Excellence accreditation for metabolic and bariatric surgery, becoming the first hospital in the Hunter and only the third in Australia to hold this accreditation.
The accreditation, awarded by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), recognises hospitals that meet internationally recognised standards for weight-loss surgery, including the skills of their surgical teams and the care and support patients receive before, during and after surgery.
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt said the achievement recognised the expertise and support available to Hunter residents seeking weight-loss surgery.
“For patients considering weight-loss surgery, it’s important to know they’ll have an experienced team supporting them at every stage,” Ms Rewitt said.
“This accreditation gives patients added confidence in our program. It reflects the work our team puts into understanding each patient’s needs, helping them make informed decisions and supporting them well beyond their time in hospital.”
The hospital, which performed more than 100 weight-loss procedures in the past year, underwent a comprehensive review of its program to achieve accreditation. This included patient care before, during and after surgery, staff training, patient education, equipment, support services and reviewing how patients’ progress is monitored.
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital bariatric surgeon and visiting medical officer Dr Costa Karihaloo, who helped lead the program’s development and accreditation, said weight-loss surgery was one part of a broader approach to managing obesity.
“Weight-loss surgery is a significant decision, and patients need to understand what it involves, what it could mean for their health and the changes they’ll need to make afterwards,” Dr Karihaloo said.
“Our role is to help each patient decide whether surgery is right for them and give them the care, advice and ongoing support to make the most of their treatment.
“This accreditation recognises the strength of the team we’ve built at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and our commitment to helping patients achieve lasting improvements in their health, with care that extends well beyond the operating theatre.”
About Ramsay Health Care
Ramsay Health Care is Australia’s largest private hospital operator, with a network of about 70 hospitals and day surgeries across Australia. Ramsay provides high-quality healthcare across a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, mental health and rehabilitation services, caring for millions of patients each year.