Mala McAlpin Australia has just welcomed its very first medispa established inside a hospital. Having just opened this month, Ignite Medispa is a luxury spa based inside Wollongong Private Hospital, with the revered Dr. Niro Sivathasan at its helm.
A doctor with international training spanning multiple continents, as well as being an internationally known educator in the fields of cosmetic medicine and surgery, Dr Niro created Ignite Medispa to fulfil the needs of patients seeking cosmetic interventions, whether dermal therapy, dentistry, medicine, or surgery. His wish was to cater to those who did not have the option of having their needs serviced under one roof in a collaborative fashion, and in the confidence-inspiring setting of a hospital as opposed to the high street.
Dr Niro says it may, in fact, be the first in-hospital medispa in the world, as he has (despite his many years practicing around the globe) never heard about anything like it – and neither, he says, have his many distinguished peers.
The list of services on offer at Ignite is extensive, spanning all facets pertaining to looking and feeling good. Clinicians include Dr. Niro Sivathasan (surgeon), Dr. Aaron Stanes (physician), Dr. Ahmad Hasanien (physician), Dr. Kam Chetty (dentist), along with a registered nurse (Bec), dental nurse (Mel), experience manager (Mitch), therapists (Emma and Kylie), and lifestyle staff. Brands on offer include Synergie Skin, and Dr Niro’s own range, Amaranté Skincare.
About one-hour South of Sydney airport, Ignite Medispa is located on the top-floor (level 7) of Wollongong Private Hospital, which is essentially the adjacent building to the Illawarra region’s main public hospital. The medical community on the private floor includes a vascular surgeon, a bariatric surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon, neurologists, obstetricians, and orthopaedic surgeons. There is also an in-house pharmacy, a pathology unit, and imaging services.
When it comes to fundamental principles, Dr Niro says Ignite’s are integrity and excellence. “It’s not about the sale, it’s about education, honesty and respect, and doing the right thing by the patient. This also minimises risk of complaints, and ensures a better journey for both patient and practitioner.”
Dr Niro explains his reasons for opening in Wollongong being predominantly based on the rapid and overwhelming growth of the region, and that residents deserve a state-of-the-art location that would meet their needs which were, until now, unavailable there in close proximity. Indeed, according to a report released this year by the Expedia Group, Wollongong is in the top 10 fastest growing regional destinations in Australia for international demand. From his independent research and discussions with many local residents, Dr Niro discovered most were travelling to Sydney for aesthetic services.
“Everyone that’s been through here has been really happy. It’s truly unique, we’re in a fantastic location on the top floor, and our attention to detail is everything,” Dr Niro tells SPA+CLINIC.
