Charlestown Health Hub opens to deliver integrated, patient-centred care for regional NSW

3 June marked the official opening of the Charlestown Health Hub, a purpose-built facility designed to improve healthcare access and outcomes for the Lake Macquarie and Hunter communities through a fully integrated model of care.

This innovative healthcare precinct brings together trusted Sonic Healthcare practices, including Hunter Imaging, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, IPN Charlestown General Practice, and Australian Skin Cancer Clinics, alongside Ramsay Health Care. Together, these services provide a coordinated approach to patient care, improving access, reducing delays and enhancing outcomes for people living in one of regional NSW’s fastest-growing areas.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare through collaboration, innovation, and a shared focus on putting patients first. The Charlestown Health Hub is a powerful example of that in action,” said Dr Demetrious Voutnis, CEO of Hunter Imaging.

“This is modern, regional healthcare working at its best. We are helping patients move through their care journey with greater confidence, speed and support.”

Located on the Pacific Highway in Charlestown and adjacent to Charlestown Square, the new health hub offers on-site parking and easy access via public transport. With over 220,000 people living in the Lake Macquarie LGA and population growth expected to exceed 260,000 over the next 20 years, the Charlestown Health Hub has been designed to grow with the community and meet its evolving needs.

Patients at the Charlestown Health Hub can now attend a GP appointment, undergo imaging or pathology tests, and consult with specialists in a single visit. This integrated approach strengthens communication between healthcare providers, improves efficiency, and removes the need for patients to travel between multiple locations for care.

“Integrated care models like this are the future,” said Dr Jim Newcombe, CEO of Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology.

“We are supporting GPs and specialists with faster access to accurate results, which means more timely and effective patient treatment.”

“It’s all about delivering coordinated care,” added Claire Thurwood, National CEO of Ramsay Surgical Centres.

“This hub ensures that patients are supported at every stage of their healthcare journey, from diagnosis through to recovery.”

According to the Lake Macquarie City Council’s Ageing Population Strategy 2022–2026, nearly one-third of residents are aged 55 and over. This demographic trend underscores the importance of improving access to timely, coordinated care in the region, particularly in the areas of early detection, preventative health, and chronic disease management.

“Joining the Charlestown Health Hub with partners like Hunter Imaging and Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology strengthens our commitment to delivering accessible, integrated care,” said Dr Ged Foley, CEO of Sonic Healthcare Australia Clinical Services (IPN and SECC).

 “Together, we’re building a connected healthcare model that supports early detection, collaboration and better outcomes for regional communities.”

An official launch event was held that evening, with guests including Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Adam Shultz, healthcare leaders from across the Hunter, and members of the Newcastle Knights, who continue to strongly support community-based health initiatives in the region.