Specialist Bariatric, Upper GI & General Surgeon in Epping
Led by Dr. Ashok Gunawardene (BSc, MBChB, MRCS, PhD, FRACS), providing quality, evidence-based, minimally invasive surgical care for patients across Melbourne’s northern growth corridors.
✔ Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
✔ GESA Credentialed
✔ ANZMOSS & IFSO Member
✔ Rapid Access GP Pathway
Specialist Surgical Care for Melbourne’s North
We understand that navigating surgical procedures can be an anxious process. By choosing our consulting and operating hub at Northern Private Hospital in Epping, residents of the northern suburbs can access specialist surgical care locally, avoiding the heavy traffic and stress of travelling into the Melbourne CBD.
Servicing Epping, Wollert, Craigieburn & Beyond
Our Epping suites serve as a central medical hub for the City of Whittlesea and Hume. We are highly accessible via Plenty Road, Epping Road, and the Hume Freeway for patients residing in South Morang, Wollert, Mernda, Doreen, Mill Park, and Craigieburn. Ample on-site parking is available directly at the hospital.
Main Consulting Suites: Suite 2, Level 2
Operating Theatres: Level 1
Post-Operative Wards: Heath Ward (Level 3) & Acacia Ward (Level 4)
Our Three Pillars of Surgical Care
Dr Ashok provides evidence-based surgical interventions across three distinct clinical pathways at Northern Private Hospital.
1. Bariatric Surgery
Multidisciplinary weight loss solutions focused on long-term metabolic health.
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Mini Gastric Bypass (OAGB)
- Revisional Bariatric Surgery
2. Upper GI Surgery
Laparoscopic treatment for conditions affecting the gallbladder, stomach, and oesophagus.
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder)
- Anti-Reflux Surgery (Fundoplication)
- Hiatus Hernia Repair
- Single-stage CBDE for Gallstones
3. General & Endoscopy
Minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction and diagnostic endoscopy pathways.
- Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP/TAPP)
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy
- Haemorrhoid Banding
Comprehensive Metabolic Care with OptiWeight Victoria
Dr. Ashok Gunawardene is also the Director of OptiWeight Victoria. Through this integrated partnership, patients undergoing bariatric surgery receive multidisciplinary support in Epping—including dietetics, psychology, and medical weight management.
Managing GLP-1 Side Effects: For patients experiencing severe reflux, gallstones, or GI complications linked to weight loss medications (such as Ozempic or Wegovy), Dr. Ashok is highly experienced in managing GLP-1 side effects and consulting on appropriate surgical transitions.
Victoria’s First “Quiet Hospital”
Opened in February 2024, Northern Private Hospital incorporates a modern design approach to patient recovery. By utilizing an advanced smart-device communication system instead of traditional call bells, nursing alerts are direct and silent. This reduces ward disruption, supporting a more peaceful environment during your post-operative recovery.
For Referring General Practitioners
We provide a Rapid Access Pathway for local GPs in the Whittlesea and Hume catchments. For patients experiencing acute surgical presentations (e.g., symptomatic gallstones, acute hernia pain), Dr Ashok facilitates rapid, direct ward admissions to bypass Emergency Department wait times where clinically appropriate.
HealthLink EDI: N S R G I C L C
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific suburbs and areas do you service?
Our Epping surgical hub is designed to service patients across Melbourne’s entire northern and north-western growth corridors. We routinely consult with patients travelling from Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, Mill Park, South Morang, Mernda, Doreen, Wollert, Craigieburn, and Donnybrook. We also serve the wider Mitchell and Whittlesea shires for specialist general, bariatric, and upper GI surgery.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Ashok?
Yes, a valid referral from your GP or another medical specialist is required to book a consultation. This ensures your surgical consultation is clinically appropriate, allows you to claim applicable Medicare rebates, and provides us with your essential medical history.
Is my private health insurance accepted?
Yes, the majority of procedures performed at Northern Private Hospital are covered by private health insurance, subject to your specific level of hospital cover. We operate with a transparent ‘known-gap’ framework for general surgery and provide detailed Informed Financial Consent prior to any bariatric procedure. We also manage eligible WorkCover hernia patients.
Northern Private Hospital Directory
Department
Phone Number
Hospital Reception
(03) 8437 4809 / 4813
Dr Ashok’s Consulting Suites
(03) 8437 4210
Theatre Bookings
(03) 8437 4703
Heath Ward (Level 3)
(03) 8437 4301
Acacia Ward (Level 4)
(03) 8437 4401
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Outcomes vary from patient to patient.