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Buderim Private Hospital has officially opened its new $1 million Elsa Wilson Day Surgery, expanding surgical services and creating a dedicated centre for eye surgery on the Sunshine Coast.
The Elsa Wilson Day Surgery increases the hospital’s operating theatre capacity to nine theatres, supporting the growth of ophthalmology and other surgical services in the region.
Adding to the significance of the opening, retired optometrist David Sutton became the Day Surgery’s first patient, treated under the care of Buderim ophthalmologist, Dr Dan Black.
Ophthalmologist, Dr Sonia Moorthy, said the purpose-built environment would bring together specialist ophthalmologists and a dedicated ophthalmology team in modern facilities designed to enhance the patient experience.
“For many patients, eye surgery feels daunting because their vision matters to every part of daily life. A dedicated day surgery gives us an opportunity to make their experience feel more focused and reassuring,” Dr Moorthy said.
“Eye surgery involves precise preparation, specialised equipment and careful communication between the surgeon, nursing team and patient. From arrival to recovery, patients are cared for in a setting designed around ophthalmic procedures, here in their local community.
“The benefit is a more personalised and coordinated experience, with a team of people who understand the questions and concerns specific to eye surgery,” she said.
Dr Nick York, ophthalmologist, said the new facility would also support the continued growth of ophthalmology services in the region.
“The Day Surgery will give us the opportunity not only to expand the number of patients we can care for, but also to broaden the range of ophthalmic procedures that can be provided locally,” Dr York said.
“For me personally, one of the most important aspects of the new facility is that it allows us to combine specialist surgical care, modern technology, and a patient-centred approach, while enabling people to receive that care within their own community in the heart of Buderim’s health precinct,” he said.
General Manager, Shane Mitchell, said the new facility was named in recognition of the hospital’s founder, Elsa Wilson, whose vision it was to establish a private hospital at Buderim.
“Driven by growing demand for surgical treatment and from specialists interested in practicing at Buderim Private Hospital, the Elsa Wilson Day Surgery reflects our commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the community we serve,” Shane said.
“Elsa was a devoted local resident, and she rallied a passionate group of professionals to help bring her vision for a local hospital in Buderim to life. At that time, patients had to travel to Nambour, and further in many cases, for hospital care.
“More than four and a half decades later, we’re extremely proud the Elsa Wilson Day Surgery continues her legacy by helping more patients access specialist care locally,” he said.
Buderim’s ophthalmologists provide expertise across a wide range of eye conditions and procedures, including cataract surgery, glaucoma, corneal and anterior segment surgery, oculoplastic surgery and retinal disease.
