- Intuition Private has today announced plans to expand its business premises at North Gosford.
- Demand is being driven by a new trend in advocacy groups working to educate women about menopause, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical advice.
- An additional factor driving demand is Australia’s significant public surgery wait lists, pushing female patients to seek private gynaecological health care.
- Elective surgery waiting times were at the highest level in 20 years during 2022–23, as public hospitals worked to catch up following pandemic-related delays.
- Brookvale design consultants, Anthony Poate Design and local builder, Cleary Building Contractors have been commissioned to undertake the design and works developments.
Leading Central Coast Obstetrics and Gynaecology Practice, Intuition Private has today announced plans to expand its business premises.
The two-suite clinic, located at Gosford Private Medical Centre on Jarrett Street North Gosford, is about to embark on expanding its footprint to three suites.
The purpose-designed obstetrics, gynaecology and ultrasound imaging centre was opened in 2016 to accommodate women looking for a premium healthcare experience on the Central Coast.
Over the past eight years, the business has gone from strength to strength, as more residents vacate the overpriced Sydney suburbs and relocate to the more affordable Central Coast.
Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Clinical Director of Intuition Private, Dr Peta Skilbeck said that physicians in general are seeing rapid change in the demand for better diagnosis and management of menopause from Central Coast women.
“What we’re increasingly seeing is advocacy groups working to educate women about menopause, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical advice,” she said.
“Campaigns and resources provided by organisations like the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) have been instrumental in this regard, and it’s so pleasing to see women feeling empowered and taking control of their health, following this increased support in media and public discussion.”
“There’s absolutely no reason for women, who have worked hard and done so much for their families, to be living in such discomfort, in what should be the best years of their life,” said Skilbeck.
The practice is also approaching what health experts are dubbing the “grey tsunami”, referring to a huge bubble of an ageing Australian population.[1]
The Central Coast of New South Wales is experiencing significant growth, particularly among its ageing population.
The region’s total population is projected to increase from 357,260 in 2024 to 412,502 by 2046, representing a growth rate of about 15.46% over the next 22 years.[2]
The area is known for its appeal to retirees and older individuals, contributing to the ageing demographic.
[1] Australian Patients Association (2019) Dementia: How big is the ageing tsunami? It’s a best guess scenario www.patients.org.au/dementia-how-big-is-the-ageing-tsunami-its-a-best-guess-scenario
[2] Forecast ID (2024) Central Coast NSW Population Forecast, forecast.id.com.au/central-coast-nsw
“The ongoing growth in this demographic is driving a greater demand for private healthcare on the Central Coast,” added Skilbeck.
These patients are languishing on lengthy public waiting lists for much needed gynaecological procedures that are deemed “elective”, because they’re not deemed an emergency.
Elective surgery waiting times were at the highest level in 20 years during 2022–23, as public hospitals worked to catch up following pandemic-related delays.[1]
Both insured and non-insured patients are now turning to the private healthcare system for procedures such as cancer-related hysterectomies, cervical cell excisions, and treatment and advice regarding menopause related symptoms.
“Like much of the Australian health system, we’re quite literally bursting at the seams, so our expansion into a third suite could not come soon enough,” said Dr Skilbeck.
While Intuition Private has always prioritised patients first, their employees have also been a major priority during the planning of the current renovations.
“It’s important for our highly valued doctors, nurses, educators and administrators to feel as though they’re receiving the very best employee experience.
“We’ve had our 23 team members very much top of mind when designing our new spaces,” said Skilbeck.
The newly renovated clinic is expected to be complete in August and will include two additional consulting rooms, a new procedure room, as well as a larger staff kitchen and storeroom.
[1] Medical Xpress (2023) In Australia’s public hospitals, post-COVID elective surgery wait times are longer than ever by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, medicalxpress.com/news/2023-12-australia-hospitals-post-covid-elective-surgery.html
In addition to the behind-the-scenes developments, the new clinic will feature a reconfigured and reimagined patient reception area that maximises natural lighting.
Intuition Private has commissioned Brookvale based Anthony Poate Design to undertake the design development. Local Central Coast builder, Cleary Building Contractors has been contracted for the fit out.