New Penrith hospital opens its doors to patients

The new Somerset Private Hospital with capacity to care for 600 patients a month has opened its doors in Penrith.

The facility, based in the Nepean health precinct and owned by the Cura Day Hospitals Group, brings four additional operating theatres and 12 overnight beds, while creating 100 new jobs for the region including doctors, nurses and support staff. Specialities include ophthalmology; plastics and reconstructive surgery; orthopaedics; gastroenterology; gynaecology; ear, nose and throat; as well as oral and maxillofacial.

The hospital services a population predicted to rise from 323,797 to over 364,000 by 2026/27. Cura Day Hospitals Group CEO Andrew Currie said the new hospital will ensure sustainable growth for the community by reducing pressure on public resources.

Gastroenterologist Dr Viraj Kariyawasam will be among the first doctors to walk down the wards. He said the new hospital would fill a major gap for local patients who had been travelling up to 40 km for day surgery.

“I have heard of patients driving to Pennant Hills to get the service they need. Somerset Private will ensure locals can get the care they need — close to home, friends and family — without the stress of travel.

“I’m excited to be here for a new beginning, with lots of fantastic new tools and equipment to help treat the growing Penrith population. Helping patients from the start of their care journey is something I find really rewarding.”

Somerset Hospital will help meet patient needs with cutting-edge specialist equipment, including a state-of-the-art endoscopy system, to help clinicians detect, diagnose and treat diseases in their earliest stages.

Surgeons will be equipped with the latest camera technology, providing ultra-high definition, magnified visualisation to work with precision.

Direct access referrals will be available to ensure eligible endoscopy patients can access treatment fast without requiring prior appointments.

Image supplied by Cura Day Hospitals.