The opening, preceded by the Blessing of the hospital by the Most Reverend Christopher Prowse, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn; marks a significant addition to health care infrastructure in ACT.

“We are committed to creating a better health system in the ACT, and this new $77 million Calvary Bruce Private Hospital offers the community the latest in medical facilities while retaining close working relationships with the public hospital Calvary also operates, “ Minister Fitzharris said.

“Calvary’s significant investment in ACT’s health infrastructure reinforces the principle of ‘one’ health system.”

Hon John Watkins AM, Chair of Calvary, said today’s opening marked a 30 year milestone for Calvary ACT.

“Calvary believe that the community is best served by a singular health system where the public and private sectors play complimentary roles to serve the long term needs of our communities,” he said.

“Calvary first established Calvary Public Hospital Bruce in 1979, then in 1987 in response to growing pressure on the public hospital, established Calvary Bruce Private Hospital on two-floors within the public hospital.

“Now thirty years later with further population growth and projected demand, Calvary has again responded, this time with a brand new state of the art private hospital across the road, thus fulfilling its obligations under the Calvary Network Agreement with the ACT Government.”

Mr Watkins added, “The public and private hospitals will continue their complementary roles with a new pedestrian bridge linking the private hospital to the existing Calvary Public Hospital and Emergency Department.

Calvary Bruce Private Hospital CEO Kim Bradshaw said “We are open, ready and excited to offer high-quality holistic health care and attentive patient service delivered by a team of expert medical doctors and highly skilled staff, including a dedicated Hospitality Team.”

The new hospital features eight state-of-the-art digitally integrated theatres, including one with a hybrid cardiac catheter lab, which accommodate everything from day procedures to complex surgery.

Other features include: • 118 beds with ability to expand to 182 beds as Canberra’s population grows; • 74 surgical and medical beds with private rooms and ensuites • 12 bed maternity suite providing new families with specialised care and support after birth; • 16 bed post-anaesthetic care unit; • 8 recovery beds plus an additional 17 chairs in second stage recovery; • Eight bed critical care department.

The new private hospital is complemented by upgrades to the Calvary Clinic for Specialists and a recent upgrade to the Hyson Green Mental Health Facility that increased capacity from 20 to 28 beds. Hyson Green is the only dedicated private mental health clinic in the ACT.