St Andrew’s Hospital ushers in new era at gala
In the face of increasing pressure across the private health sector, one Toowoomba private hospital is rethinking their strategy so they can continue to service the region. Find out more.
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In a sparkling night of glamour at the Empire theatre, St Andrew’s Hospital celebrated a new beginning, as the hospital was forced to turn to a new strategy in the face of major industry challenges.
St Andrew’s Hospital chief executive Linda Jorgensen said over the past few years, many private health institutions had been struggling.
“Covid, and the period following after, marked a difficult time for all private hospitals across the nation and reform is essential,” Ms Jorgensen said.
“Sustaining private hospitals is crucial, given many have closed or reduced services in recent years.
“The focus must remain on maximising patient access to safe, high-quality care.
“In the wake of the virus, we have sought advice, made changes, and reviewed our processes.
“Ultimately, we’ve come through that period stronger and with new determination.”
Part of the new strategy, she said, was focussing on four core services critical in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region, mental health, orthopaedics, cancer-care and cardiac.
Ms Jorgensen said another core facet of the “new era” for St Andrew’s was increasing philanthropic opportunities for the community through the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation.
She said this meant that when people donate to the hospital, they could be sure their charity is used where the hospital needs it most, in alignment with their strategic plan.
St Andrews staff have also been introduced to the hospital’s new values of honesty, excellence, accountability, respect, and trust, forming the acronym “heart.”
And finally, she said over the next two years the hospital will start implementing a new logo, which she said represents the evolution of St Andrew’s Hospital.
However, Ms Jorgensen said the change in strategy is more an “evolution,” and not a “rebrand”.
The “new era” for St Andrew’s was officially launched at a gala at the Empire Theatre on Friday, November 1, with displays of some of the hospital’s state-of-the-art technology the focal point.
The gala was attended by more than 200 guests, including tennis legend and author, Jelena Dokic.
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