Ramsay Newsroom

It was a milestone moment: the first time in Queensland a private hospital was built right next door to its public counterpart.

The hospital opened on 1 February 1999 with 43 beds and two operating theatres.

General surgeon Dr Chris Lusink was one of the first specialists to perform surgery in the new theatre complex and is still operating at the hospital today.

“The Caboolture area was just bush, so it had a small country hospital feel. That’s where it started and it has just changed so much in the past 20 years,” Caboolture Private Hospital CEO Tracey Squires said.

Despite being one of the smaller hospitals in the Ramsay Health Care portfolio, Caboolture Private Hospital earned itself an expansion in 2015 to cater for the ongoing population growth throughout the entire Caboolture region. Again, the hospital made history.

The building redevelopment, which included an additional operating theatre and a day procedure unit, was constructed off-site. It was delivered to the hospital in nine different modules and pieced together in two days. It was the first hospital redevelopment of its kind in Queensland at the time.

“Adding the third theatre and day unit was instrumental because before then they had to put all day surgery patients in beds. It very much improved the patient flow,” Mrs Squires said.

During its 20 year history the private hospital has built its reputation, with a particular focus on oncology services. The hospital treated just 12 patients each month when it opened, but is now providing comprehensive oncology care to 250 patients every month.

“We’re providing the service locally; if we weren’t providing it they would actually have to go to Brisbane. It’s a really well-rounded service and it’s growing,” Mrs Squires said.

Caboolture Private Hospital’s milestones were celebrated at a morning tea and cocktail event to mark the facility’s 20th anniversary.

The occasion brought extra significance for two staff, who started working at the hospital on its first day of operation.

Registered nurse Christine Lawson and central sterilisation service department technician Angela Naylor were recognised as foundation staff during the celebrations.

“The service staff really appreciated the fact that we were in celebration mode and everyone was really excited about the milestone and the ongoing growth of the hospital,” Mrs Squires said.

The Caboolture Private Hospital is a fully accredited surgical and medical hospital. Each year the hospital cares for more than 7000 patients from Caboolture and the surrounding urban and rural communities.