$20 Million Private Surgical Centre Opens in Charlestown to Expand Regional Healthcare Access

newy.com.au – A $20 million private surgical centre has opened in Charlestown, aiming to meet rising demand for day and short-stay procedures across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.

Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown began operating in early July and is located on the fourth floor of 99 Pacific Highway, opposite Charlestown Square. The facility includes three operating theatres, 12 inpatient beds, and dedicated treatment rooms for procedures such as endoscopy and Mohs dermatology. A fourth theatre is planned as part of future expansion.

Developed by Ramsay Health Care, the country’s largest private hospital provider, the new centre offers a range of specialist services including oral and maxillofacial surgery, ENT, gynaecology, plastic and reconstructive procedures, and skin cancer treatment.

The opening of the Charlestown centre is intended to ease pressure on nearby hospitals including Lake Macquarie Private and Warners Bay Private, both also operated by Ramsay. According to the company, the new facility will support better coordination of care across the region.

“This investment means that residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas have access to the same high-quality surgical services available in major metropolitan centres, right in their own community,” said Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres.

“Importantly, it also supports better care coordination across Ramsay’s existing hospitals in the region, helping patients move more easily through the system to get the care they need.”

The facility focuses on short-stay and same-day procedures, with most patients discharged within hours of surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr Ben Gupta said the new centre offers clear advantages for the local medical community. “It’s exciting to be part of this modern facility that will provide exceptional patient care. It’s a great step forward for specialist care in the region,” he said.

The centre includes pre-admission systems to streamline paperwork and features intended to improve the patient experience, such as a concierge service and a tracking system for notifying family members during surgery. On-site parking is available via Smith Street, and a drop-off zone is located at the building entrance.

Ramsay Health Care said the Charlestown site was chosen for its accessibility and proximity to surrounding communities. It forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion of surgical services outside metropolitan centres.