Aspen Medical commences the first phase of a $5 million upgrade program at Lautoka Hospital

Aspen Medical has commenced the first phase of a $5 million upgrade program at Lautoka Hospital, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. Work has commenced on a new Interventional Radiology suite (Catheterisation Lab), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite and a fast-track Emergency Department unit, significantly enhancing diagnostic and treatment capability in western Fiji.

The introduction of high-precision MRI imaging will allow for faster and more accurate diagnoses, leading to reduced wait times for patients. The state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory will facilitate minimally invasive heart procedures, offering patients access to advanced cardiac care locally and improving patient outcomes.

Additionally, Lautoka Hospital’s Emergency Department is undergoing upgrades, including the addition of a unique fast-track unit, the first of its kind nationwide. It will create more space and privacy for patient assessments, streamline patient care and rapid response for urgent cases.

Aspen Medical’s CEO in Fiji, Gavin Whiteside said, “This significant $5 million investment represents a major milestone for Lautoka Hospital and will enable our surgeons to do more advanced surgical procedures.

“By investing in advanced technology and expanding our service offerings, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care closer to home, there is lots done and more to come.”

In April, works will commence on the expansion and renovation of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), as well as the installation of new dialysis machines.

Aspen Medical’s Executive Director of Non-Clinical Services Martin Lane, said, “In addition to the current works at Lautoka Hospital, April will see a few weeks of renovations to improve our ICU, PICU and Burns Unit which will include new storerooms and a room an international conferencing for complex clinical cases.

“These are exciting times at Lautoka Hospital, but there will be some noise and visual barriers in place whilst the program is being completed. We ask the public to bear with us whilst we continue to create world-class healthcare facilities at the hospital.”