Residents in the fast-growing Nepean Blue Mountains region can now access top-class healthcare closer to home following the opening of a new state-of-the-art private hospital in Greater Western Sydney.
Somerset Private Hospital in Penrith can care for 600 patients a month, with four operating theatres and 12 overnight beds.
It is the first greenfields development project taken on by Cura Day Hospitals Group, and has created 100 new jobs for the region.
"We're excited to bring first-class specialist short-stay hospital care to Penrith," said Andrew Currie, CEO of Australia's largest private provider of facilities specialising in day services.
"Our talented nurses and visiting medical specialists are passionate about their patients and feel proud to provide a very high standard of care," he added.
The population of the Nepean Blue Mountains region is predicted to rise from 324,000 to over 364,000 by 2026-27.
"As more families choose to live, work and grow here, it's important they have a choice in where they receive their care and can access treatment fast," Mr Currie said.
"Our new hospital will ensure sustainable growth for the community by reducing pressure on public resources."
Located opposite the Nepean Hospital, it will offer specialities including ophthalmology, plastics and reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, gynaecology, ENT, and oral and maxillofacial.
Gastroenterologist Dr Viraj Kariyawasam said the services at Somerset Private Hospital would make life easier for local patients who had been travelling up to 40 kilometres for day surgery.
"The Penrith area has been crying out for a facility like this for years. I have heard of patients driving to Pennant Hills to get the service they need," Dr Kariyawasam said.
"Somerset Private will ensure locals can get the care they need - close to home, friends and family - without the stress of travel.
"I'm excited to be here for a new beginning, with lots of fantastic new tools and equipment to help treat the growing Penrith population. Helping patients from the start of their care journey is something I find really rewarding."
