Construction finishes on cutting-edge theatre at TUH

Townsville University Hospital’s new theatre, that combines surgical and medical imaging, will change the game for surgical services in north Queensland.

Construction has finished on the $17 million hybrid operating theatre which has the potential to support up to 40 new procedures per week, helping reduce elective surgery waitlists.

The theatre is the first in Australia, and one of the first in the world, to have lateral movement of the ceiling-mounted angiography which will allow for greater flexibility, wider imaging coverage, and a safer environment for the patients and staff.

Minister for Health Tim Nicholls was at Townsville University Hospital and joined staff to tour the new theatre.

Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the theatre was a significant project for the hospital.

“Currently, patients needing x-rays or other imaging are transferred from the operating theatre to the medical imaging department downstairs,” Mr Keyes said.

“The hybrid theatre is a one-stop-shop which means patients who need imaging won’t experience a stop-start to their procedures.”

Once operational, it will be one of the most advanced theatres in Queensland for specialised surgical procedures including trauma and emergency services, vascular, cardiothoracic, interventional radiology, neurosurgery, with the ability to expand to more services in the future.

Kieran said the theatre had the potential to transform surgical procedures in the region.

“This project enhances the HHS’s healthcare capabilities in north Queensland,” he said.

“The new theatre is also expected to increase elective surgery capacity, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for the community.”

Perioperative and outpatient services nurse unit manager Shallyn Sandow said the ability to save time in an emergency was potentially lifesaving.

“Time is critical in an emergency, and saving even minutes can make a significant difference,” she said.

“Having medical imaging directly available in the operating theatre will be invaluable, eliminating the need to move patients between departments.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see the construction of this hybrid theatre completed, and we’re eager to bring this service to the people of north Queensland.”

The theatre is expected to go-live following the completion of the commissioning phase of works.