New $3.5m operating theatre opens at The Alfred

This latest addition comes as part of funding from the Victorian Government to add four additional Rapid Access Hubs across the state to support up to 6,000 additional planned surgeries annually.

Alfred Health Program Director of Surgical Services Professor Wendy Brown said the new theatre is symbolic of The Alfred’s investment into increasing surgical activity to support Victorians with planned surgery needs.

“Surgeries are often limited by infrastructure, and having another theatre will enable us to treat more people,” Professor Brown said. “This particular theatre is designed with surgical efficiency in mind to help as many people as effectively as possible every day, and with the best available technology.

“It’s also beneficial for enabling the next generation of surgeons to access the technologies that they will be using in the future.”

First opened in 2007, The Alfred Centre was built as a first-of-its-kind ‘one-stop shop’ for Victorians with planned surgery needs and has continued to lead efforts to improve patient care.

“The Alfred was the first in Victoria to quarantine planned surgery from emergency and trauma activity, and it has proven to be a model that has served our community well,” Prof Brown said.

“The centre has really transformed our ability to help our patients have more certainty around their planned surgery needs,” Professor Brown said. “This new theatre is a part of the next phase of ensuring that we continue to provide timely access to care, and offer the best possible experience for our patients.”