The Ramsay Way
Ramsay Health Care Corporate Newsletter
October 2025
New home, critical mission: support for veterans
The future of one of Australia’s most respected support programs for current and former Defence personnel has been secured, with Ramsay Clinic New Farm now home to the long-running Military and Veteran’s Day Program
The specialised program was previously delivered at Toowong Private Hospital, which closed earlier this year, prompting concerns the service would be lost after more than 25 years of continuous care.
Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Khoo, who has led the service for more than two decades, said the program provides evidence-informed, trauma-focused care tailored to the needs of veterans and their families.
“The program has managed veterans from the Vietnam era, Somalia, Rwanda, Namibia, Cambodia, East Timor and Middle East operations,” Dr Khoo said.
“The comprehensive program involves individual therapy sessions, partner sessions, exercise, relaxation
techniques and exposure outings.
“I have seen this program support personnel make functional gains and quality of life improvements in the domestic, social, recreational, academic and employment spheres.
RamsayClinicNewFarmCEODavid Sallows and Dr Andrew Khoo.
“I am very thankful to have had the support of Ramsay Clinic New Farm to continue our work with veterans.”
Director of Ramsay Mental Health, Christine Gee, said it was important to preserve such a successful program.
Perth’s north opens rapid-access cancer care
Ramsay has opened a rapid-access, state-of-the-art infusion suite at Glengarry Private Hospital offering residents in Perth’s northern suburbs access to world class private cancer care on their doorstep.
The purpose-built $3.2 million Waratah Infusion Suite employs highly skilled nursing, allied health, support staff and volunteers who bring in-depth knowledge of cancer care and chemotherapy.
Glengarry Chief Executive Officer, Steve Cohen-Jones, applauded the investment as a significant development for the community.
“Glengarry Private Hospital has been serving this community for almost 50 years but this is the first time we’ve offered chemotherapy, here” Mr CohenJones said.
“Some of Australia’s top oncologists have joined us, led by pioneer and leader in innovative cancer care Dr Andrew Dean, giving residents access to leading-edge medical oncology treatments.”
“We’re very proud to reestablish this valuable program, to ensure veterans and their families continue to have access to specialised care designed to help them recover, reconnect and rebuild their lives.”
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“Time is of the essence when it comes to treating cancer and our rapid-access service enables GPs to refer newly diagnosed patients for a same day or next day oncologist consult.”
Partnership offers rare cancer patients faster access to expert care
Patients diagnosed with rare cancers will have better access to specialised support through a new partnership between Ramsay Health Care and Rare Cancers Australia (RCA).
The partnership offers greater awareness and support for Australians diagnosed with rare, less common or complex cancers. Rare cancers are those with an incidence of fewer than six cases per 100,000 population.
RCA Chief Executive Officer, Christine Cockburn, said: “Our specialist cancer navigation team will now directly link in with the navigators at Ramsay, forming an integrated referral pathway for patients so that no one will fall through gaps and everyone has the opportunity to get much-needed support.”
“RCA will also expand our KnowledgeBase directory to include qualified Ramsay specialists, making it easier for patients to find the clinical expertise they need specific to their rare cancer type.”
Ramsay’s General Manager of Service Development, Jonathan Cotton, said the partnership reflects a strong commitment to delivering more connected and compassionate care for people facing rare and less common cancers.
“We’re proud to help improve the journey for people facing some of the most challenging and under-recognised cancer diagnoses.”
“These patients often experience a more difficult and uncertain journey — from delayed diagnosis to limited treatment options and fragmented support.
“By working with Rare Cancers Australia, we want to help close those gaps.
“Together, we’ll make it easier for more patients to access the therapies, information and support they need to feel seen, heard and supported at every step.”
Ramsay welcomes new Chief Operating Officer
Picturedtop:NewCOOStuartWinters(thirdfromleft)with membersoftheGreenslopesPrivateHospitalEmergencyCentre team,(middle)withmembersofGreenslopes’supplyteam;and (bottom)StuartwithDrMarkBaldwin(ECDirector),MaxineHilditch (ECNUM),CherieMaloneECAdministrationTeamLeader).
Ramsay Health Care is delighted to welcome Stuart Winters as our new Chief Operating Officer in Australia. Stuart brings more than 25 years of executive experience in healthcare services and operations across 17 countries.
Stuart said he feels privileged to join Ramsay at an important time and is excited by what’s ahead.
“The responsibility to deliver exceptional patient care and experience, at the same time as maintaining important relationships with our clinical and medical partners, is what excites me about this role.”
“My initial steps are listening, learning and building relationships and taking time to understand Ramsay’s DNA to ensure that the company’s vision is translated into actionable and meaningful strategies,” he said.
With Stuart’s operational depth, people-focused leadership and passion for supporting frontline teams, Ramsay is proud to welcome a leader who will help guide our next chapter.
Expanded team brings breast care closer to home
For women facing breast cancer in Perth’s northern suburbs, getting coordinated care has become easier, with Joondalup Health Campus bringing surgeons, nurses and support specialists together under one roof.
The team includes specialist breast oncoplastic surgeon, Dr Anitha Karunairajah, dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sam Williams, and a specialist physiotherapy service. The team provides continuity of care across surgery, chemotherapy and support services.
“Our goal is to make cancer care as comprehensive as possible for women in the northern corridor right from diagnosis through to surgery and on to recovery,” Dr Karunairajah said.
Nurse Sam Williams said her role was to support patients with much more than just their medical diagnosis.
“It is not just assisting with things like interpreting scans or blood tests, I’m able to provide a holistic approach to care by providing clinical, psychosocial and emotional care, which is patient led.”
DrAnithaKarunairajahandcancercarenurseSamWilliamswithmembers of the theatre
Local patient Lorraine Cross said having all her care in one place had made a difficult time more manageable.
“When I was introduced to Sam, I actually cried with relief. Everything can feel so overwhelming, but Sam helps me break it all down and reminds me of what I need to focus on. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable having to repeat everything over and over,” Lorraine said.
“With my whole team in one place at Joondalup, I feel more settled and better able to focus on my treatment and recovery.”
Ramsay nurses benefit from industry-leading prostate cancer insights
Port Macquarie Private Hospital’s Sandy Colley, Bella Hosking and Emma Urch, returned from the 2025 Asia-Pacific Prostate Cancer Conference in Sydney with fresh insight and inspiration to benefit local patients.
The team explored surgical innovations, evidence-based nursing practices and multidisciplinary approaches that could be implemented in both the hospital and wider community.
“Attending the conference has deepened our understanding of prostate cancer and strengthened our ability to support our surgical team and patients,” said Emma.
“We’re now looking forward to sharing what we learned through an education session for local healthcare professionals.”
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team.
New $2m surgical navigation system
Patients needing complex brain or spinal surgery can now access a stealth navigation and imaging system at St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital.
The StealthStation, the latest generation of neurosurgical guidance system, combines real-time 3D imaging with advanced surgical navigation, designed to enable greater accuracy and safety during delicate brain and spinal surgeries.
Neurosurgeon Dr James Lee said the state-of-the-art system provides millimetrelevel precision during procedures.
“The surgeon can see and check images of the brain and spine in real time, allowing us to navigate these complex surgeries with unprecedented accuracy,” Dr Lee explained.
“Previously, patients had to travel to Brisbane for these procedures, which took them away from their families and support networks when they needed them most.”
St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital CEO, Jamie Wann, said the investment reflects the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence and innovation in the region.
DrJamesLeewiththenewnavigationand imagingsystematStAndrew’sIpswichPrivate Hospital.
Step
Nowra Private Hospital has installed the Southern Highland’s first SCOUT Radar Localisation system.
Endocrine Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist, Dr Steven Craig (pictured below with theatre team members), said: “This technology is revolutionising how we approach breast cancer surgery. The SCOUT system provides surgeons with pinpoint accuracy to locate small and non-palpable tumours, reducing the amount of normal breast tissue removed during the procedure and facilitating a more personalised approach to breast-conserving surgery.”
Pioneering microsurgery offers new hope for lymphoedema patients
Greenslopes Private Hospital is the first private hospital in Queensland to offer advanced microsurgery for lymphoedema.
Specialist plastic surgeons Dr Andrew Lewandowski and Dr Matthew Cheng have completed Queensland’s first Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis (LVA) in a private hospital setting, using intricate supermicrosurgery to help reroute a patient’s lymphatic system and reduce the risk of lifelong swelling and discomfort.
The surgeons performed a prophylactic LVA - connecting tiny lymphatic vessels directly to veins
to bypass damaged pathways and help prevent lymphoedema from developing.
Dr Cheng explained: “Historically, people with lymphoedema have had very limited options, often relying on compression, massage or simply learning to live with the condition.
“With LVA, we’re offering patients a surgical solution that can ease symptoms or even prevent lymphoedema altogether.”
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Lymphoedema affects an estimated 70,000 Australians and is commonly seen after cancer surgery involving lymph node removal. It can cause chronic swelling, pain, recurrent infections and significant physical and emotional distress.
Specialised skin cancer surgery arrives on the Sunshine Coast
Noosa Hospital and Nambour Selangor Private Hospital have introduced Mohs micrographic surgery, giving Sunshine Coast residents access to one of the most precise skin cancer treatments available.
Mohs surgery is a specialised technique that removes skin cancer layer by layer, with each layer examined under a microscope in real time.
This meticulous method was designed to ensure all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible — intended to offer high cure rates and minimal scarring.
For the first time in regional Queensland, the procedure has been integrated with oculoplastic expertise for complex cases including cancers on or around the eyes.
Together, these services offer a coordinated approach combining precise cancer removal with expert reconstructive surgery designed to restore both function and appearance.
New robot doubles joint surgeries in Cairns
Cairns Private Hospital has doubled its capacity to deliver robotic-assisted knee replacements with the arrival of a second ROSA orthopaedic robot.
Used in both partial and total knee replacement surgeries, the ROSA robot is designed to help surgeons plan and perform procedures with greater precision.
Cairns Private Hospital introduced its first ROSA robot in late 2021, which has to-date been used in more than 1,000 procedures.
Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Ben Parkinson, said: “Robotic surgical assistants are designed to improve surgical precision compared to traditional techniques, by providing more detailed feedback and flexibility during procedures.”
“Having a second ROSA unit at Cairns Private allows for multiple knee replacements on the same day and gives more surgeons access to the technology for their patients.”
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Robotic-assisted knee surgery begins in Tamworth
Knee replacement patients in Tamworth are set to benefit from cutting-edge technology, with Tamara Private Hospital introducing the region’s first orthopaedic surgical robot.
The new system uses advanced mapping to plan and guide surgical movements with greater precision.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Max Leibenson said the technology enables a more personalised approach to care.
“We’re excited to bring this next-generation robotic technology to Tamworth,” Dr Leibenson said.
“It allows us to personalise each procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy. It’s a significant step forward in how we perform knee replacements.”
Leading Ramsay psychiatrist releases guide to eating disorder recovery
Congratulations to Ramsay Clinic New Farm’s Associate Professor Warren Ward who has co-authored a new book that brings together clinical expertise and lived experience to support Australians recovering from eating disorders.
Titled Renourish, the book was written in partnership with clinical nutritionist and recovery advocate Lexi Crouch. Renourish combines Dr Ward’s decades of psychiatric expertise with Ms Crouch’s 15 years’ experience living with anorexia nervosa.
Dr Ward said the idea for the book came from his desire to educate as many people as possible.
“I have trained thousands of clinicians over 20 years on what eating disorders look like and how to treat them, but I felt like we still weren’t reaching enough people and we weren’t reaching the general community,” Dr Ward said.
“I wanted to get my knowledge and my experience out to as many people as possible in the hope that we could perhaps even prevent eating disorders in some people.”
In Renourish, Dr Ward explains how inadequate nutrition can impact brain function — driving obsessive thoughts and rigid behaviours — and how restoring nourishment is a critical first step toward recovery.
“There are many things in our society and culture today that are actually increasing the risk of people getting eating disorders,” he said.
Renourish provides practical, evidence-based advice for individuals, families and clinicians.
“The book has advice for people struggling with an eating disorder, no matter what stage of that journey they’re at, as well as their families and loved ones and healthcare professionals.”
Dr Ward said he hopes the book will help change the conversation about eating disorders.
“I hope it will help reduce the stigma about eating disorders and help sufferers realise it’s not their fault and recovery is possible. I think by improving general literacy in the community about what eating disorders are, we can make conversations more informed and compassionate and hopefully help a lot of people.”
New research from Deloitte and the Butterfly Foundation showing more than one million Australians are living with an eating disorder.
Hollywood backs quit success
Hollywood Private Hospital has taken a step forward in supporting patients to quit smoking, leading a first-of-its-kind study in a private hospital in Western Australia.
The research, led by physiotherapy clinical lead Leah Epton as part of her master’s degree, explored the benefits of introducing the Queensland Health Smoking Cessation Clinical Pathway in a private hospital setting.
The results were striking with quit rates reaching more than 40% at both six weeks and one year after discharge.
Patients and staff alike valued the support, with many describing hospitalisation as a unique opportunity for positive change.
Leah’s work has been published in the Journal of Smoking Cessation and is helping shape how hospitals can play an active role in prevention as well as treatment.
Mental health trials unit opens in Queensland
Queenslanders with mental illness will have more access to emerging and innovative treatment options, with a new clinical trials unit opening at Ramsay Clinic New Farm.
Psychiatrist and researcher Professor James Scott (pictured) launched the unit’s first clinical trial this month – a study of a novel drug for treating manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
“There is an urgent need for new and better treatments in mental health,” Professor Scott said.
“Not all existing therapies work for everyone and some can cause significant side effects.
Research is an important way we can offer more choice and improve long-
term outcomes for our patients.”
Ramsay Clinic New Farm’s research team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and other clinical trial professionals.
Christine Gee, Director of Ramsay Mental Health Australia, said the new unit is the first of its kind for Ramsay in Queensland and was designed to support rigorous research.
“This unit gives our clinicians the tools and infrastructure to explore new
Psychs on Bikes ride coast to coast
A group of Ramsay psychiatrists and health professionals calling themselves ‘Psychs on Bikes’ has completed a big trip from Perth to Sydney.
Along the way, they visited numerous towns to talk to locals about mental health and provide free health checks in the hope of preventing the four silent killers: hypertension, diabetes, depression and alcoholism.
Dr Joe Dunn, founder of Psychs on Bikes and Medical Superintendent at Ramsay Clinic Cremorne, said the initiative combines adventure with purpose.
approaches, test promising therapies and support more personalised care,” Ms Gee said.
“The aim is to help make new, proven treatment options more affordable and accessible.
“The rides are really satisfying in terms of trying to do some good for mental health in far-flung communities, but also an adventure shared with colleagues who share a passion for both mental health and motorbikes,” Dr Dunn said.
“This trip was a stimulating, satisfying series of interactions with Aussies in rural and remote areas.
“People in the bush are universally warm, welcoming and pleased that some professionals have volunteered their time and expertise.”
Ramsay is proud to sponsor Psychs on Bikes and support their mission to start meaningful health conversations in regional and remote Australia.
The next Psychs on Bikes trip is planned for late 2026, travelling from Cape York to Wilsons Promontory.
Ramsay midwives bring lasting change to maternal care in Tanzania
Generations of mothers and newborns in Tanzania are set to benefit from the generosity and expertise of four Ramsay midwives, who recently returned from a volunteer mission supporting hospitals in Arusha and surrounding regions.
Christine Murphy, Alexandra Ryan, Simone Gleeson and Megan Whittle – all experienced midwives from Frances Perry House – spent three weeks working alongside local healthcare teams to deliver hands-on training, donate essential neonatal equipment, and strengthen clinical capacity in areas where resources are limited but need is high.
With support from family, colleagues and their community, the team fundraised for vital supplies, including 15 neonatal resuscitation
kits, phototherapy lights, a fully equipped emergency trolley and training tools to help hospitals establish or improve special care nurseries.
“Our goal was to support healthcare workers in Tanzania by sharing knowledge and tools that could help save lives – and we saw that happening almost immediately,” midwife Alex Ryan said.
“One day after a training session in neonatal resuscitation, a baby was successfully resuscitated using the
techniques and equipment we had just introduced. The unit manager told us with pride and gratitude: ‘we saved a baby today!’”
More than 100 doctors and midwives were trained across five hospitals.
In a heartfelt letter of thanks, Kaloleni Health Centre director, Jafari Jekonia, described the visit as life changing: “They not only improved the knowledge and confidence of our staff, but also inspired a renewed commitment to excellence in newborn care.”
Frances Perry House midwife recognised for excellence
Congratulations to Deb Bartrip, a midwife and lactation consultant at Frances Perry House, who has been awarded the prestigious Mary Paton Research Award by the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Deb was recognised for her paper titled: “Barriers and enablers of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding after caesarean section: an integrative review of the literature”.
Frances Perry House CEO, Kerry May, said: “Deb’s achievement highlights her expertise
and commitment to improving outcomes for mothers and babies. We’re incredibly proud to have such a skilled and passionate team of midwives and nurses at Frances Perry House.”
Deb’s research will be published in the Breastfeeding Review later this year.
Ramsay team members lend expertise in Fiji
Warringal Private Hospital theatre nurse Ellie Waymouth, and colorectal surgeons Dr Andrew Bui and Dr Asiri Arachchi, recently took part in a CRSANZ Fiji Mission, delivering specialist care and education in Suva.
For several years, the Colorectal Surgery Australia & New Zealand (CRSANZ) Charity Group has worked to improve access to care in Fiji by donating essential medical equipment, providing colorectal education to local health care workers, and offering expertise for patients with complex conditions.
This year the group spent a week at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, which provides care for most of the Fijian population.
Ellie said the experience was both rewarding and eye-opening.
Community café opens at Nowra
“We operated, went to ward rounds, attended outpatient clinics, and educated both medical and nursing staff,” Ellie said.
“By operating alongside our team, the staff were able to learn techniques that they can now use in future complex cases.”
Education was a key part of the mission.
“We delivered tailored workshops to nursing staff to improve their understanding of surgical procedures, basic and advanced life support,
Nowra Private Hospital in NSW is proud to welcome a new café operator with a special purpose.
The hospital has partnered with Interchange Shoalhaven, a local organisation that supports people with disability, to run the hospitals café as a training hub.
anaesthetics, and post-operative care of the complex patient,” she said.
“This was an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing firsthand how they operate and do the absolute best with what they have was an experience I will never forget.”
Every four to six weeks, new trainees will join the café team, gaining hands-on skills and experience as they build confidence and prepare for future employment.
Nowra Private Hospital CEO Simon McDermott said the partnership was a wonderful way to support the community.
“This is more than just a café,” Mr McDermott said.
“This is a place where people can learn, grow and connect, while our staff, patients and visitors enjoy a welcoming space.”
Work begins on major Port Macquarie expansion
A major milestone has been marked at Port Macquarie Private Hospital, with a sod-turning ceremony officially launching a $10 million expansion to enhance local health care services.
The project will deliver a new operating theatre, improved patient amenities, expanded diagnostic services and more parking — all designed to meet local needs.
Port Macquarie Private Hospital CEO, Moira Finch, said: “This redevelopment will allow us to offer more services, more comfort and more convenience for our patients.”
“With a growing population and increasing demand for private health care in the region, it’s the right time to expand our facilities and future-proof our services.”
New Ramsay Surgical Centre
Ramsay’s $20 million surgical centre has opened in Charlestown, expanding access to specialist surgical services in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.
The purpose-built Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown includes three operating theatres, 12 inpatient beds and state-of-the-art equipment.
The facility complements Ramsay’s existing services at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and Warners Bay Private Hospital.
Claire Thurwood, CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres, said: “This investment ensures that residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas have access to the same high-quality surgical services available in major metropolitan centres.
“Importantly, it also supports better care coordination across Ramsay’s existing hospitals in the region, helping patients move more easily through the system.”
Southern Highlands makes the switch
Southern Highlands Private Hospital has taken a big step in reducing its carbon footprint, installing an 83-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
The system is expected to generate approximately 488,000 kilowatt hours of energy each year, significantly reducing the hospital’s reliance on grid electricity.
Southern Highlands Private Hospital CEO, Dean Englefield, said the solar installation reflected the team’s longterm vision for sustainable care.
“This project allows us to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide high-quality health care for our community,” Mr Englefield said.
“We’re committed to making practical changes to help protect the planet.”
Southern Highlands Private Hospital is the latest facility to join Ramsay’s national solar program, which now includes 37 sites with more than 6,400kW of installed solar capacity.