The most common reasons young people come to our private hospitals

18 Apr 2018

New stats released today by St John of God Health Care show the number one reason young people are admitted to our private hospitals is for dental work.

Last year, more than 1,400 teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 25 had dental surgery (including teeth removal and restorations) at our hospitals, while the next most common surgery was tonsillectomy (tonsil removal).

Rounding out of the top five most common procedures were shoulder surgery, hand surgery and gastroscopy.

St John of God Health Care WA Hospitals Executive Director John Fogarty said choosing private hospitals for dental surgery was a great option for children and young adults.

“Our private hospitals are able to offer children and young people quick access to surgery and choose for when to have the procedure to fit their school, university and work commitments,” he said.

“Parents are also able to stay overnight with their children, which is particularly important for younger children, to support them as they rest and recover.”

St John of God Health Care Eastern Hospitals Executive Director Bryan Pyne said parents with teenagers and young adults should consider these benefits when considering whether to hold onto or purchase private health insurance.

“The value of being a private hospital patient is not just in getting quick access to surgery but having the flexibility to choose who their surgeon is and when the surgery will take place,” he said.

“We also offer great facilities tailored specifically to the needs to children, such as the brand new paediatric ward at the new St John of God Berwick Hospital in Victoria.”

Top 5 surgeries for young people aged 12 to 25 years old at St John of God Health Care private hospitals

1. Dental surgery
2. Tonsillectomy
3. Shoulder surgery
4. Hand surgery
5. Gastroscopy