Kaweka Hospital has successfully completed its first operation.
ENT specialist Mr Stephen Toynton, along with anaesthetist Dr Allanah Scott, recently undertook a complex four-hour ear surgery at the new private hospital.
Toynton, also Kaweka board chairman, says everything went as planned from the patient’s welcome through to the procedure in the operating theatre, featuring a large image of the Ruahine Ranges as a backdrop.
He likened the experience to driving a brand new luxury vehicle – a major upgrade on other operating theatre experiences locally.
“All the equipment is state of the art, the specialist nurse support team were fantastic which enabled us to easily concentrate on what we were doing rather than being worried about anything that is out of our control such as equipment issues.”
Dr Scott said from an anaesthetist’s perspective, “It was a privilege to care for our first patient using brand new, state-of-the-art equipment and the first ‘paperless’ anaesthetic record in Hawke’s Bay, as well as to be a part of the Kaweka history books.”
The hospital in Canning Road Hastings offers Hawke’s Bay residents access to surgical healthcare with a team of 40 surgical and non-surgical specialists offering ENT (ear, nose and throat), endoscopy, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology and urology, supported by a 75-strong team of technicians, nurses, and wider support staff.
Hospital manager, Nick Pullan, said there was a “genuine excitement and buzz about the place in anticipating the arrival of the first patient. To be able to see the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes come to life is brilliant. The energy of the staff is absolutely infectious”.
Kaweka Hospital’s managing director, Colin Hutchison, says the hospital will add over 5,000 surgical procedures a year from four operating theatres, giving greater choice in private surgery as well as much needed support to the public surgery register.
“We know we have the best specialists in Hawke’s Bay, a dedicated patient care team and a welcoming front of hospital team.”
Stage 1 of Kaweka has been a $40 million investment while Stage 2, which is also under construction, will open late 2024 signalling in total a $100m investment.
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What a wonderful asset for the the HB community.