Ramsay Newsroom

Since opening in 1976, the hospital has grown to 122 beds and five operating theatres, with more than 255 team members and 125 admitting doctors caring for more than 10,000 patients each year across surgery, rehabilitation and mental health services.

The hospital is also home to the largest private mental health service in NSW outside Sydney and has recently expanded its medical and rehabilitation unit, with plans to introduce the region’s first private post-acute stroke care service.

Warners Bay Private Hospital Chief Executive Officer Sharon Rewitt said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the generations of people who had shaped the hospital.

“Reaching 50 years is a very special moment for Warners Bay Private Hospital and for the people who have been part of our hospital community,” Ms Rewitt said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the patients and families who have placed their trust in us over the years, and to the doctors and team members who have cared for them.”

“While the hospital has changed enormously over five decades, that connection with our community remains an important part of who we are today,” she said.

Among the long-serving team members being recognised as part of the anniversary is nurse Bronwyn Jones, who joined Warners Bay Private Hospital in 1985 and has worked at the hospital for more than 40 years.

Bronwyn began as an anaesthetic technician and scout nurse, working alongside surgical teams before moving to the hospital’s mental health unit in 2010.

“I have so many fond memories of working at Warners Bay Private Hospital, especially working with many fantastic surgeons, anaesthetists and nursing staff, as well as so many lovely housekeeping and kitchen staff over the years,” Ms Jones said.

“My favourite thing about my job is how we all work so well together as a team, providing our patients with the respect and empathy they deserve at such a vulnerable time in their lives.”

Ms Rewitt said it was long-serving team members like Bronwyn who had helped make Warners Bay Private Hospital part of the community for the past 50 years.

“People like Bronwyn have seen enormous changes in healthcare during their careers, but what has remained constant is the commitment of our team to looking after people when they need us,” Ms Rewitt said.

“As we celebrate our first 50 years, we’re proud of the contribution Warners Bay Private Hospital has made to healthcare in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and look forward to continuing to care for our community for many years to come.”