Ophthalmic surgeons are discovering Vision Hospital Group’s (VHG) national network of day surgeries offers the ideal operating solution for smaller/solo practices.
There are ten VHG locations across New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Importantly, each site is purposefully set up for ophthalmic surgery and eye procedures, says CEO and Managing Director, James Thiedeman.
Vision Hospital Group CEO and Managing Director, James Thiedeman
“Vision Hospital Group’s core philosophy is that the practice of ophthalmic surgery deserves a highly focused, specialist environment where surgeons are supported to perform at their best and patients experience exemplary, seamless care,” Mr Thiedeman says.
“For visiting medical officers (VMOs), there’s a difference between operating in a day surgery established for ophthalmology versus one that isn’t. VMOs at VHG take comfort in knowing they are supported by specialist ophthalmic theatre teams with comprehensive knowledge of ophthalmic-specific equipment and ophthalmic surgery. We also work with the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association (AONA) – in fact, our Director of Nursing at Forest Road Day Surgery, Gaby Kalofonos, is a committee member of AONA.”
Vision Hospital Group’s core philosophy is that the practice of ophthalmic surgery deserves a highly focused, specialist environment where surgeons are supported to perform at their best and patients experience exemplary, seamless care
Mr Thiedeman says VHG continues to solidify its reputation in this niche area of the day surgery market.
“Our VMOs find they can maximise their theatre lists because they know our surgical teams have the experience and the systems in place to progress through the lists efficiently and without fuss. They also talk about the culture we have created and the benefits of working with the same theatre team, who are familiar with and attuned to their operating preferences.”
Managing the Patient Journey
And it’s not just what happens in theatre that matters, he adds. “The patient’s surgical journey is much more than what happens on the day of theatre. We ensure they receive exceptional service from the moment they have a query or book surgery, through to their admission and stay with us, through to when they are recovering at home.
“Understanding the particular pre- and post-op needs and anxieties of ophthalmic patients is paramount, and our external clinical auditors consistently praise us on our patient care during the re-accreditation process,” Mr Thiedeman said.
Dr Nima Pakrou, an ophthalmologist at Panch Day Surgery Centre in Melbourne, agrees everything runs like clockwork. “This minimises waiting times for both surgeons and patients. I’ve worked at lots of different day surgeries over the years, and Panch is definitely the most efficient. Every instrument I’ve ever needed has also been available, which is especially important in the event of rare complications. It’s so reassuring to operate in a surgery that I know has the equipment and expertise for any situation.”
Ophthalmologist Dr Paul Athanasiov, who operates at Adelaide’s Windsor Gardens Day Surgery, highly recommends the day surgery. “Patient safety and care are first-class, and in my time here, the patient experience has been 100% positive. Everyone is committed to continually improving the service – it’s a friendly, accommodating team that is always looking for ways to ensure a better experience for surgeons and patients alike.”
“VHG has flexible theatre-session packages with permanent and ad hoc availability. If you’re looking to grow your ophthalmic surgical practice in 2023, we warmly invite you to take a tour, see our facilities and meet our dedicated staff,” says Mr Thiedeman.
About Vision Hospital Group
All VHG day surgeries are fully accredited to National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards (mandatory) and ISO 9001 (optional), with an on-site Director of Nursing to lead the clinical support team. The VHG In Safe Hands program encompasses emotional safety and wellbeing, infection control and a commitment to high-quality service.
The day surgeries are equipped with the latest ophthalmic equipment and instrumentation.
Visit: visionhospitalgroup.com.au/for-surgeons.
