A new purpose-built day oncology and infusion centre with double the capacity of the previous service has opened in Kogarah.
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The centre is located in the $26 million St George Private Hospital Medical Suites, which opened in February, and is connected by a link bridge to St George Private Hospital.
The new centre, which opened on October 26, is about six times the size of the previous centre and has a 'nature-focused design' so patients can view the outdoors during treatment.
It will be used by patients requiring chemotherapy or infusion treatments for conditions such cancer, multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
The larger centre gives patients more personal space as they undergo treatment and the layout of the room allows nurses to watch over patients from a distance.
St George Private Hospital chief executive Peter Ridley said the new centre had been "on his wishlist" for four to five years.
"We had a smaller unit across the road in the main building but we outgrew that capacity," he said. "It was a matter of waiting for the medical suites to be built so we could expand."
Mr Ridley said the new centre takes up the entire first floor of the medical suites building and has 17 treatment chairs - up from nine.
He said it could treat 35 to 45 patients a day - double the previous capacity, and builds on the hospital's already comprehensive cancer care services.
"Coming to hospital for treatment can be a stressful and anxious time so we have created a space promoting tranquillity," he said.
"We wanted the space to dissipate the stress often associated with chemotherapy and other infusions.
"We know nature has a wonderfully soothing effect on all of us, so we wanted to make sure it took centre stage in the new design.
"As well as outdoor views, we have also worked in photos from local artists on beautiful beach and ocean scenes across the unit."
Mother-of-three Kim Honeyman has been an oncology patient at the hospital for the past 10 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her third child.
"Having been a patient with St George Private for 10 years, I know the importance of a calm environment in the midst of what can often be a chaotic time," she said.
"The new space is beautiful and had a profound impact on my mood when I visited for my infusion."
