Harley Day Surgery Wins Prestigious Day Hospitals Australia National Conference Award

 

Harley Day Surgery has been recognised at the Day Hospitals Australia National Conference, winning an award that celebrates excellence in patient care and innovation. Built to the latest day hospital standards and infection control guidelines, Harley Day Surgery is a state-of-the-art, licensed facility designed for patients requiring dental treatment under conscious intravenous sedation (IV Sedation). Since opening in 2021, the surgery has been accredited to ISO9001, underscoring its commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence.

At the heart of this recognition is Harley Day Surgery’s pioneering Comprehensive Dental Anxiety Management Program, a unique initiative aimed at transforming the patient experience for those with dental phobia. The program blends advanced technology, behavioural health strategies, and patient-centred innovations to ensure that individuals receive safe, comfortable, and stress-free treatment in a supportive environment.

The program begins with a Personalised Sedation & Anxiety Screening Process, carefully tailored to each patient’s anxiety level and medical history. Patients complete an AI-based pre-appointment questionnaire, assessing fear triggers, past dental experiences, and comfort preferences. This information allows the Harley Day Surgery team to create highly personalised treatment plans, offering tailored sedation options that balance patient comfort with safety.

To further enhance patient relaxation, the surgery has introduced Immersive Relaxation & Distraction Techniques. Treatment rooms are equipped with features scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, including personalized soundscapes of nature sounds or classical music. These features help to drown out the sounds of dental procedures and create a calming environment, improving overall patient comfort.

Another cornerstone of Harley Day Surgery’s approach is Trauma-Informed Care & Staff Training. Team members undergo specialized training in gentle communication techniques, ensuring that patients are fully informed and in control of their treatment. Staff are trained to recognise non-verbal distress signals, adjusting the pace of procedures accordingly. Patient empowerment protocols, including stop signals, frequent check-ins, and step-by-step explanations, further reduce uncertainty and fear.

The facility also offers an Express Phobia-Friendly Surgery Pathway. Anxious patients benefit from priority scheduling, minimising time in the waiting area and allowing swift access to a calm, private treatment suite. Post-procedure, patients recover in a low-stimulation Private Recovery Lounge, and the surgery’s companion and support animal-friendly policy provides additional comfort before and after treatment.

This innovative program has fundamentally transformed the patient experience at Harley Day Surgery. By integrating technology, behavioural health strategies, and patient-first initiatives, the surgery has set a new benchmark for compassionate, fear-free dental care in Australian day hospitals. The award from Day Hospitals Australia reflects Harley Day Surgery’s dedication to excellence, demonstrating how innovation can improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and inclusivity in healthcare.

Harley Day Surgery’s recognition is a testament to its unwavering commitment to combining cutting-edge care with genuine compassion, offering patients a dental experience that is not only clinically excellent but also emotionally supportive.