National Capital Private Hospital celebrates 25 years of serving the ACT community and the surrounding regions this August.
The hospital was opened in August 1998 by the then ACT Chief Minister, Kate Carnell. Since opening, it’s almost doubled its capacity, from 88 to 148 beds, as well as expanding the number of operating theatres, and building a six-storey extension in 2016. It’s co-located with Canberra Hospital, with many of the specialists working across both hospitals.
The hospital has also introduced new technology to improve patient experience, including robotics such as the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, that enables precision surgery, in 2017.
The hospital has also been recognised as a Centre of Excellence for lower limb Joint Replacement (COEJR) and Robotic Joint Replacement (COERJR) by SRC CARE, the first outside the United States.
This dual recognition places National Capital as a world-leading site for Joint Replacement and Robotic Joint Replacement with only two peers globally achieving this accreditation.
This year, the hospital commenced a Trans catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Program – this is a minimally invasive procedure that involves replacing the aortic valve in the heart. This is normally major open heart surgery; however, it can now be undertaken via the minimally invasive route for those patients who cannot undergo the larger procedure.
The hospital’s Director of Nursing, Leanne Kirkpatrick, has seen National Capital’s growth first-hand since joining the hospital in 1998. She initially joined in a part-time role, however, she enjoyed it so much she took on a full-time job and stayed.
Some of Leanne’s standout moments in her 25 years at National Capital have been organising a wedding overnight for a young cancer patient who was dying.
“We rushed around organising a wedding overnight, even raiding the hospital garden for flowers for the ceremony,” Leanne said. “At the ceremony, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room”.
Another memorable incident was when she persuaded a local pilot to fly an organ recipient to Sydney when there were no other transport options available, enabling him to receive his new heart. “We had to think outside the box to find a way of getting the patient to Sydney, but we managed it,” Leanne said.
After-hours manager, Barbara (Barb) Tye, also joined National Capital Private soon after it opened and loves the supportive, family-friendly culture. One of her favourite memories was when the hospital stepped up to support the relief efforts during the Canberra fires in January 2003.
“There were the residents of an entire nursing home living on one of the wards at one point, including pets! We had cats, dogs and even a bird!” Barb said.
In addition to long serving staff like Leanne and Barb, the hospital also recently welcomed new members of the team. Enrolled nurses Minseo Kim and Natasha Lee, registered nurses, Reeta Dhungana, Cherry Ng, and, Lachlan Skill, have all recently started their careers at National Capital.
Looking ahead, there are exciting times on the horizon for National Capital. The hospital is part of the ACT Canberra Hospital master plan for expansion. The collaboration of public and private services will enhance health outcomes and amenities for the ACT and beyond.
To find out more, visit nationalcapitalprivatehospital.com.au
