How to Plan a Private Surgery Centre in Canada
Private surgical centres are becoming more and more popular across Canada — and it’s opening the door to exciting new opportunities.
Public healthcare is a fundamental part of the Canadian identity. And while our healthcare system is essential, the increased wait times and an inability to address specific care needs in recent years have left many healthcare providers and patients feeling frustrated.
While it will be a never-ending debate on both sides, the fact can’t be ignored that the growth in private facilities is prevalent and continuously being looked to as a new option for Canadian healthcare providers to explore as a different way to serve their patients with quality, accessible, timely medical care.
Building a private surgical facility or surgical centre in Canada involves much more than finding a location. From medical facility planning and healthcare construction to operating room design, equipment selection and installation, every decision affects how the finished space will function.
Whether you're a surgeon starting a private practice, an owner developing a new clinic, or part of the project team, understanding the process early can make medical clinic construction significantly easier.
The private surgery advantage
Across Canada, the push for private surgery facilities is on the rise. The terminology varies by province — Alberta refers to these as Non-Hospital Surgical Facilities (NHSFs), British Columbia as Non-Hospital Medical Surgical Facilities, Ontario as Community Surgical and Diagnostic Centres (formerly Independent Health Facilities), and Quebec as centres médicaux spécialisés (CMS) — but the broader goal is similar: expanding access to surgical care outside traditional hospital settings.
- Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have all already contracted with private surgical centres to help offset wait times and demand in the public sector.
- Wait times for scheduled eye surgeries (like non-urgent cataract procedures) have ballooned across the country. In 2024, Albertans waited an average of 17.7 weeks for appointments, while Ontarians waited an even longer average of 20.2 weeks.
- Alberta is currently in the middle of making moves to shift to a “dual practice” model, allowing surgeons to work in both public and private sectors. This transition would open the door to additional revenue sources for providers and would provide more options for patients needing medical care.
As more opportunities become available, more Canadian healthcare providers are opting to open their own private surgery facilities — and Meditek is here to help.
- Melissa Ronan, Cambrian Surgery Centre, Co-OwnerOne of the most beneficial things from a project manager's point of view was that Meditek was essentially a one-stop shop. They provided all the equipment, from anesthesia machines and OR tables to cabinetry, ceiling systems, lights, and the specific equipment we use in our procedures.
They also assisted us in the design process, from room size planning to what equipment would fit where, ensuring our facility was perfectly equipped to provide our services.
Private surgical facility planning, design & construction
Planning a private surgical facility involves much more than choosing equipment. The best surgical centres are planned around clinical workflow from the beginning, with the facility design, construction requirements and operating room equipment all working together.
Early planning can help determine room sizes and layouts, equipment placement, ceiling and utility requirements, patient flow, recovery spaces and other infrastructure needs before construction is underway. Bringing your architects, contractors, clinical team and equipment partner together early can also help avoid costly changes later in the project.
At Meditek, we work alongside your project team throughout the planning and design process to help turn your clinical needs into a functional surgical environment. From operating room planning and equipment configuration to installation and final hand-off, here’s what the process can look like:
Step 1: Introductory meeting
To kick off your project, our dedicated team will sit down with you to discuss exactly what you’re looking for. We dig deep into your vision — exploring what type of facility you want, how many operating rooms you need, what equipment you have in mind, and what type of experience you want your patients to have, and more.
These initial conversations act as our North Star for the rest of the project — guiding every decision we help you make until every detail is crossed off and complete.
Step 2: Finding the right location
Meditek goes above and beyond just being an equipment provider. We have a dedicated team with decades of experience creating surgical spaces — and as part of that, we help our customers find the right location and properties for their dream facility.
Our team is here to help you move from your dream concept to reality, going above and beyond caring for you, so you can care for others. Once we have a better understanding of what you’re looking for, we can help guide you through options, including renting, leasing, and purchasing spaces, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Assemble your healthcare design & construction team
On projects of this scale, it’s common for contractors to have minimal or no overlap. That’s not how we do it at Meditek.
If you decide to work with designers, architects, construction experts, or any other project specialists, we dive headfirst into working alongside them, making ourselves available for meetings, planning, and hands-on work.
Our goal is for your project team to feel integrated and smooth — and if that involves making changes or adjusting plans, we will work with the assembled team to make it happen.
Step 4: Plan your operating room & medical clinic equipment
Because Meditek is a one-stop-shop, getting the equipment you need for your private surgery facility is seamless and efficient.
We know your project, we helped you pick your space — and we have trained professionals with the experience and knowledge to know exactly which products, which systems, and which tools you’ll need to succeed. We’ve got you covered from the basics to specialized options, including:
- Modular ceiling systems
- Surgical tables and positioning accessories
- Surgical lights
- Ceiling equipment carrier booms
- Anesthesia ceiling columns
- Supply cabinets and storage
- Stretchers
- Stainless steel room equipment
- PACU equipment and recovery
- Washer disinfectors
- Sterilizers and autoclaves
- Scrub sinks
Meditek does not provide products that monitor or control body function or are sterile for use on patients during surgery. This being said, we have great relationships with providers in this space to help make it easier for you to source and purchase the needed equipment and surgical supplies.
Step 5: Coordinate operating room construction & equipment installation
We pride ourselves on timely installation and quality products. As a team of equipment experts, we know how to install every piece of equipment we sell in a timely and efficient manner.
Here’s an example of us installing an SLD AirFRAME operating room ceiling system in just 93 minutes to prove our point.
You get to customize the space to your preference, knowing we have the experience to ensure it’s built in a way that not only works, but feels effortless.
Step 6: Troubleshooting issues
No project goes off without a hitch. Because our team becomes so integrated in your space, we know how to best troubleshoot changes or adjustments on the fly.
Whether the changes come from your preferences or external factors out of our control, the Meditek team has the experience and expertise to take on the challenge head-on. After decades working in this space, we’ve seen it all — and we have the expertise to handle any challenge thrown our way.
As your single point of contact for the project, we handle plan changes as easily and seamlessly as possible. We’re always just one email, call, or text away when you need help or want to talk through an adjustment.
Step 7: Finishing touches and hand-off checklist
Once the big work is complete, we double-check our work to ensure that every detail is perfect before the project is complete.
We always conduct a post-installation equipment service, ensuring everything is working exactly as expected. We care deeply about your space and want it to be exactly as you envision — so as we go through the final walk-throughs and hand-off checklists, we are more than happy to make last-minute adjustments to make sure everything is just right.
Step 8: Future work and ongoing support
Finally, after all the hard work and team effort, your private clinic is complete — and our team at Meditek is still here to support you.
Whether you need to update equipment, change plans for your space, or adapt to new offerings, once you work with Meditek, you’re part of the family. We make ourselves available for any future projects you have in mind, so you don’t have to stress about finding new contractors and support as your business expands and grows.
Throughout the process of changing from one contractor to another contractor, one designer to another designer, Meditek stayed the same. And the reason for that is simple: they are a Canadian-owned and family-oriented business that I felt could provide products for us that would be reliable. They made us feel that we were able to make changes and choose items that were refurbished versus new. And they were able to allow us to tailor our project to the budget that we had.- Melissa Ronan, Cambrian Surgery Centre, Co-Owner
Operating room equipment for your surgical centre
Planning equipment for a new surgical centre early in the design and construction phases helps ensure infrastructure, room layouts and clinical workflows are coordinated before installation begins.
Whether you’re building a single OR or a multi-service facility, we have the premium, dependable equipment and tools you need to build a world-class private clinic.
Don't just take our word for it. Watch how we helped build a new standard for private surgical care for Cambrian Surgery Centre in Calgary.
SLD Technology ceiling systems
Traditional OR lighting systems can take anywhere from days to even weeks to install. Save time and construction resources by opting for our SLD technology ceiling systems. These lighting systems can be installed quickly and as a single unit and cost a fraction of traditional stick-built systems, yet offer world-class brightness.
Meditek is the sole distributor of the SLD AirFRAME solution in Canada. By partnering with us, you not only access the best quality equipment for your facility, but you also get hands-on support for installation and future maintenance.
Syndeo™ booms
Syndeo™ booms are a top-of-the-line option to provide gas, power, and data to medical devices during surgery. We carry five different systems, each capable of being customized for your unique needs:
- Syndeo™ Pendant System (fixed height)
- Syndeo™ Pendant System (height adjustable)
- Syndeo™ Suspension System
- Syndeo™ Monitor Carrier
- Syndeo™ Equipment Carrier
Stainless steel utility columns
Made to be space-saving and ergonomic, our utility columns offer electricity, CO2, and nitrogen access. They are available in fixed or retractable designs.
Dr. Mach surgical and exam lights
Reliable lighting is essential for private surgical facilities. We carry quality surgical lighting options, including headlights, exam and procedure lights, overhead surgical lights, and light accessories.
Dr. Mach is known for their high-tech features: shadow management, 4K camera, brightness adjustment up to 160,000 lux, endoscopy light and laser pointer option, to name just a few examples.
Surgical tables
We carry a wide range of surgical tables, including the popular Schmitz DIAMONDⓇ 60 BLK operating table, designed for specific private surgery facilities, including:
- General surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Diagnostic imaging
- Orthopedic surgery
- And more!
Surgical table accessories
Complete your private OR with essential surgical table accessories, including arm supports, clamps, positioners, stirrups, and transfer boards.
Surgical stretchers and accessories
We proudly carry a wide range of new and remanufactured surgical stretchers for a variety of different specialties, including:
- Day surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Transport
- Trauma/emergency
Stainless steel room equipment
Complete your facility with essential room equipment, including hampers, IV poles, kick buckets, stools, tables, and more. Explore our range of stainless steel ancillary items to keep your surgical space sterile and tidy.
Relaxa Gel positioning pads
Position your patients with confidence using Relaxa gel positioners, available for arms, feet, head, knees, and torso adjustments.
Surgical cushions and mattresses
Ensure your patient’s comfort with our range of surgical cushions and mattresses, including stretch mattresses, soft surgical table cushions, and wedges.
Disposables and consumables
I made a large purchase from Meditek for my clinic start-up and had an extremely positive experience from the very beginning. Communication was prompt, professional, and knowledgeable. I was able to have an open discussion to find the right equipment to meet my needs. Payment was straightforward. I would purchase from Meditek again. Thank you!- Dr. Jouseph Barkho, Barkho Plastic Surgery, Owner
Planning surgical facilities for different specialties
The procedures a facility plans to perform can influence everything from operating room size and surgical table requirements to positioning equipment, storage and patient recovery areas. Identifying your anticipated case mix early helps ensure the facility is designed and equipped around how it will actually be used.
Private surgery centres
Private surgery centres provide high-quality patient care across a wide range of specialties. In some cases, private surgery centres focus on a niche area of medicine — but in others, they can be hubs for different providers to perform surgeries and medical care across different specialties.
Examples of medical specializations that can conduct surgeries in private surgical facilities include:
- Cosmetic surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedic surgery
- Maxillofacial oral surgery
- Ear, nose, and throat (ENT)
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Endoscopy
- General surgery
Private surgery centres often require a broad mix of equipment to support multiple specialties and procedures within the same facility. Depending on the services offered, this may include surgical tables and positioning accessories, surgical and examination lighting, equipment booms or ceiling systems, stretchers, stainless steel instrument and utility tables, storage, warming cabinets and other room equipment. Planning these elements early can help ensure operating rooms, recovery areas and support spaces are designed around clinical workflow, equipment clearances and future growth.
Plastic and cosmetic surgery
The demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery is on the rise around the world and across Canada — especially in private facility settings.
Examples of in-demand cosmetic procedures that can be done in a private cosmetic surgery facility include:
- Body contouring
- Blepharoplasty
- Breast augmentation and lift
- Brow and face lifts
- Liposuction
- Rhinoplasty
A plastic or cosmetic surgery facility may require a versatile surgical table, patient positioning accessories and cushions, high-quality surgical lighting, equipment booms or ceiling-mounted systems, and stretchers for patient transport and recovery. Stainless steel instrument and utility tables, storage and other room equipment can also help create an efficient surgical environment designed around the procedures the facility plans to perform.
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic surgeries are one of the primary procedures in demand in private surgery settings. As wait times rise in the public sector, many Canadians are opting for private ophthalmology facilities to receive their non-emergency eye procedures privately instead.
Examples of procedures that can be done in private ophthalmology surgery facilities include:
- Cataract surgeries
- Refractive surgeries (LASIK)
- Glaucoma surgery
- Retinal surgeries
- Corneal transplants
- Oculoplastic surgery
- Strabismus surgery
Ophthalmology facilities often require specialized surgical tables and patient positioning solutions that provide clinicians with precise access while keeping patients comfortable throughout procedures. Surgical and examination lighting, stretchers, stainless steel instrument tables, storage and other room equipment can be planned around the facility's anticipated case mix and patient flow.
Orthopedic surgery
The demand for orthopedic surgery centre access is only growing — and as a result, many providers and patients are looking to private options to cut back on wait times and get access to quality care.
In many cases, ambulatory, non-urgent orthopedic day procedures can be done in private practices. Without requiring an overnight stay, these procedures can be done quickly and efficiently in orthopedic private facilities, helping to reduce the demand on the public healthcare system.
Examples of orthopedic procedures that can be done in private surgical facilities include:
- Knee arthroscopies
- ACL reconstruction
- Joint replacement
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Rotator cuff repair
- Hand/wrist surgery
- Ankle procedures
Orthopedic facilities can have more specialized equipment and positioning requirements depending on the procedures being performed. Orthopedic surgical tables, table accessories and patient positioning equipment may be paired with surgical lights, equipment booms or ceiling systems, stretchers and stainless steel room equipment to support efficient workflows. Considering equipment footprint, positioning and imaging access early in the design process can also help ensure the operating room is configured around the procedures planned for the facility.
Oral maxillofacial surgery
Oral maxillofacial surgeries are commonly done in private surgery facilities across the country. The benefit of having a custom space for your private oral maxillofacial surgery facility is the ability to design the space to your needs — including having patient waiting rooms, assessment places, and bespoke surgical and recovery spaces for after procedures.
Examples of oral maxillofacial surgeries that are commonly done in private surgical facilities include:
- Dental implants
- Bone grafting
- Wisdom teeth extraction
- Corrective jaw surgeries
- Facial trauma repair
- Surgical biopsies
- Cleft lip and palate procedures
An oral and maxillofacial surgery facility may need a flexible surgical table and positioning accessories, surgical or procedure lighting, equipment booms, patient stretchers and stainless steel instrument or utility tables. Planning these components together can help ensure equipment placement, clinical workflow and available space are considered before the facility moves into construction and installation.
At Meditek, we not only stock the surgical equipment you need to provide world-class patient care, but we’re your full-service partner in building custom surgical spaces that patients and providers love.
I trust Meditek to offer high-quality surgical equipment and back it up with impressive customer service and support. We just had to perform some minor maintenance on the first OR table I had bought from Meditek years ago, and the staff went above and beyond to walk us through the process. Zero downtime in the clinic! I was so impressed that I recently bought another table from them. I deal with Scott Samuels and can say that I call him first whenever I need equipment in my surgical centre.- Dr. Jayson Dool, Dr. Dool Plastic Surgery, Owner
Partner with a Canadian surgical equipment supplier
Since 1981, Meditek has been a trusted surgical equipment supplier for Canadian healthcare providers looking to enhance their patients and community with the best possible medical care.
We set ourselves apart from the competition in three ways:
- Higher level of care — Our team is always willing to think outside the box and go the extra mile. We specialize in personalized solutions created for your unique needs and desires.
- Accessibility — We always make ourselves available for our customers. We’re ready to share our expertise and advice to ensure you make the right decisions for your project.
- Flexibility — With a diverse range of products and brands, we can adapt to whatever you need for your project. If we can do something to make things easier for you, we will.
If you're ready to plan your private surgical facility, our talented team at Meditek is here and ready to help. Connect with a dedicated representative today to bring your dream private surgical centre to life.
I don’t have enough good things to say about Meditek. They’re efficient, strong on relationships, and kept communication consistent even through tough timelines. We had no issues—only good things to recommend.- Melissa Ronan, Cambrian Surgery Centre, Co-Owner
Planning a private surgical facility?
Whether you’re starting with an idea, evaluating a location, planning your operating rooms or selecting equipment, Meditek can help bring the pieces together.
TALK TO MEDITEK