Gynaecologists Newcastle
Brightwell Health have some of the top gynaecologists in our country, who are here to listen, support and advocate for you in your health journey. We see people of all ages, in various stages of their health journey. Wherever you’re at, our Newcastle Gynaecologists are here to help.
Our Gynaecologists
Dr Ashmita Desai
Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Advanced LapAroscopic Surgeon
Dr Ashmita Desai is a Gynaecologist and an advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgeon with extensive experience in all facets of gynaecological practice and surgery, including advanced and minimally invasive procedures, with special interest in the management of endometriosis, multi fibroid uterus, complex benign ovarian pathology and pelvic organ prolapse.
She is originally from Bangalore, where she was a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. She completed her FRANZCOG at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and the Hunter New England Health Network in Australia and worked as the Gynaecological Oncology Fellow at Hunter Centre for Gynaecological Cancers at John Hunter Hospital. She then went on to complete a post graduate Australasian Gynaecological endoscopy & Surgery (AGES) fellowship, training with excellent gynaecological oncologists and urogynaecologists in Newcastle and in Sydney in minimally invasive surgical approaches, both laparoscopic and robotic.
Her expertise in minimally invasive techniques ensures her patients benefit from shorter recovery times and improved surgical outcomes. She has a strong passion for patient education and shared decision-making. She believes in holistic care and empowering women to make informed choices about their healthcare and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where women feel heard and respected.
Dr Desai practices under the business name of ‘Arogya for women’ which stands for ‘Health for women’. She is one of the 4 directors and co-founders of Brightwell Health, a multidisciplinary reproductive, sexual health and gynaecological service in Newcastle. She consults privately in Hunter Street and does an outreach clinic at Health HQ in Salamander Bay. She operates at Newcastle Private Hospital, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and publicly at Maitland Public Hospital. She is a staff specialist and the RANZCOG Training Supervisor at Maitland Hospital and a VMO at the John Hunter Hospital.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends, cooking and indulging in the creative fine arts.
Dr Frida Carswell
gYNAECOLOGIST, Urogynaecologist & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Frida Carswell is a leading Urogynaecologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female urinary system and pelvic floor. She has expertise in all facets of gynaecological practice and surgery, including advanced and minimally invasive procedures, with special interest in management of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and faecal incontinence, bladder disorders including pain and recurrent urinary tract infections, birth injuries, fistulas and complications from mesh procedures.
Dr. Carswell is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women. She believes in holistic care, empowering women by involving them in their healthcare decisions, and prioritising their comfort and well-being.
Originally from Sweden, Dr. Carswell studied medicine at the University of Newcastle in Australia. After graduating, she completed specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Sydney and Newcastle.
Dr Carswell then pursued extensive sub-specialty training in Urogynaecology, becoming one of the select few Gynaecologists to undergo an additional four years of specialised training, completing a Fellowship in Urogynaecology at St. Thomas Hospital in London and three years at Monash and Mercy hospital in Melbourne.
Dedicated to advancing her field, and caring for women in the Hunter New England Area, Dr. Carswell holds a staff specialist position at John Hunter Hospital, actively engages in research, and serves as a conjoint lecturer at the University of Newcastle. She also contributes to shaping the future of Urogynaecology as a board member of the Urogynaecology Association of Australia.
Dr Carswell has operating lists at several hospitals in the Newcastle area, including Lingard Private Hospital, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, and Belmont Hospital.
Gynaecological Services offered by Frida and Ashmita
To visit our Gynaecologists Dr Frida Carswell and Dr Ashmita Desai you will need a referral from your GP or from one of our Brightwell GPs. Both Frida and Ashmita look after women with gynaecological problems such as Abnormal Pap smears, Heavy menstrual bleeding, Post menopausal bleeding, Chronic Pelvic pain, Polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cysts.
Dr Desai has a special interest in minimally invasive (key hole) surgery, endometriosis, and fibroids. She also offers risk reduction surgery for women at high risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
Dr Carswell is a certified urogynecologist and offers surgical and medical treatments for women with birth injuries, prolapse and bladder problems such as incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder and bladder pain. She also sees women with mesh complications and women with bladder and bowel fistulas.
Some of our gynaecology services:
- Pelvic organ prolapse / pelvic pain
- Birth injuries, faecal incontinence
- Urinary incontinence and other bladder problems such as bladder pain and recurrent UTIs
- Menstrual problems / endometrial polyps
- Fibroids and Ovarian cysts
- Contraception
- Menopause and postmenopausal bleeding
- Abnormal cervical screening and Colposcopy
- Prolapse
Complex Benign Gynaecological Surgery
Complex benign gynaecologic surgery is sometimes best performed by a specialist who has the advanced training to deal with the potentially difficult surgical situations often associated with previous surgery, obesity, and multiple comorbidities. Dr Frida Carwell and Dr Ashmita Desai have undergone additional training in minimally invasive surgery beyond the RANZCOG specialist training and are able to provide women with the best available surgical management options for complex benign gynaecological conditions.
