It is a new era in Bendigo

2 Jul 2017

2 July 2017

St John of God Health Care Chair of Trustees, Eva Skira and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Stanford officially opened the redevelopment with a blessing conducted by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson from the Diocese of Sandhurst.

The hospital now boasts a new three-storey wing, two new operating theatres and a large theatre recovery area that will reduce waiting times in the hospital, a state-of-the-art sterilising department and a free car park with easy access into the hospital.

The existing hospital rooms, front entrance, Atrium and day procedure unit were all refurbished as part of the $40million investment. 

Dr Michael Stanford said the occasion marked an important milestone in regional health service provision in Victoria.

“St John of God Bendigo Hospital services a catchment of around 300,000 people, and this new development allows us to cater for its growing and ageing regional population,” Dr Stanford said.

“We want patients to be able to get the health care they need, when they need it and to have the choice to remain close to home for their care.

“Local people should not have to travel to Melbourne because the service isn’t available here,” Dr Stanford said.

St John of God Bendigo Hospital Chief Executive Officer Darren Rogers said he was pleased to come to the end of a very busy two years as the hospital remained fully operational throughout the build.

Darren credited all involved in the major project for a terrific team effort from start to finish.

“Now we have two new theatres so patients can be admitted sooner for their procedure and, if needed, they can do all their rehabilitation here in Bendigo with a new gym and activity space and home-like amenities,” he said.

“We have hit the ground running with patients already being admitted into the hospital’s 44 extra beds, taking it to a 166 bed facility, with the capacity to be able to add further rooms when needed in the future.

“Our new hospital will help to attract more medical specialists to the region further ensuring access to expert medical care closer to home for our community.”

Hospital patrons were consulted by architects Clarke, Hopkins, Clarke throughout the build to help design a facility that meets the needs of patients, caregivers and visitors.

This consultation helped to shape some of the hospital’s key features including private patient rooms and thoughtful wayfinding like a free car park with easy accessibility to the hospital.

Builder Kane constructions used many local trades people to construct the hospital which had a flow on economical benefit to the local community.