After hours queries should be directed to the hospital switchboard on 03 5454 6000. You will then be transferred to the most appropriate person to answer the enquiry.
Cafes are located in the hospital’s Internal Atrium on Ground Level and Level 1. Ask for directions from our friendly staff or volunteers.
The hospital’s main reception (ground floor) can provide general patient information. Our reception and hospital volunteers can provide general information on ward locations, hospital facilities and services.
The interpreter services symbol is displayed at consumer access points and both interpreting and translation services are available via an external provider. On referral or admission, please tell staff which language/dialect is required, so services can be arranged as needed.
Yes, but please be courteous of others. Turn your phone to silent or vibrate and speak as quietly as possible so not to disturb other patients, visitors and staff. Due to technology used in certain areas, you will be required to turn off your mobile phone and we ask that you comply. Some of our machines are sensitive to mobile phones and results may be inconclusive or incorrect if competing with mobile phone signals.
Patients may be dropped off and picked up at the hospital’s main entrance in Mercy Street. Public parking is available in the hospital basement, in Stewart Street and the multi-storey car park adjacent to the hospital, which connects via air link bridge over Arnold Street. This parking is $2.50 per hour, capped at $10 per day. Other parking around the hospital is as signed and governed by local council.
Appointments should be directed to the department in which your specialist works or through their consultation rooms. Our switchboard 03 5454 6000 can assist and direct your call to your specialist or appropriate area.
As a health promoting health service, smoking is not allowed on Bendigo Health property and there are no designated areas to smoke. We have a total ban on smoking within our boundaries and these are clearly marked with signage on walls and the ground. Patients can access nicotine replacement therapy and support to QUIT or smoke outside of Bendigo Health grounds.
As a large regional health service we are able to treat chronic and complex illnesses. Being a private patient in a public hospital you can use your specialist of choice. If they are unavailable, you can choose to be treated by a hospital specialist, on call at that time where you will be admitted under the care of that doctor.
If you are an elective patient, the specialist medical team (consultant, registrar) of that unit will treat you, unless the specialist of your choice has already arranged to treat you.
When you are discharged, you can choose to have your follow-up appointments through the hospital or your specialist may choose to see you in his/her consultation rooms.
By choosing to be a private patient you assist the hospital to maintain equipment, retain and employ new staff and improve patient care. This in turn benefits all patients and the community as a whole.
An important way to reduce stress before and during your hospital stay is to plan ahead so you have nothing to worry about on the home front. Personal areas to take care of may include:
• Money - pay any outstanding bills and make sure your banking is up to date
Home - if you live alone, make sure friends and/or neighbours know when you are entering hospital and when you are expected home. Arrange collection of mail, security checks etc.
• Check documents you may have received from Bendigo Health or your doctor to ensure you have everything required for your stay. For example, there may be pre-admission medications you need to take in the lead up to your stay.
Although we provide most of what you’ll need, including all linen items, additional personal items should include:
• A lightweight dressing gown
• A nightgown or pyjamas and underwear
• Slippers or other comfortable shoes with non-slip soles
• Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, tissues, shampoo, razor)
• A pen
• A small amount of money
• Any current medication
• Medicare Card and Health Insurance details, if any
• Other personal items, such as a sheepskin or special pillows, should be marked very clearly.
Please do not bring valuables, we can only look after them in emergencies.
• Family and friends are encouraged to visit patients
• Children can sometimes find hospitals daunting. When visiting the hospital we ask that children be supervised by an adult at all times.
Please note that visiting hours and rest periods vary from ward to ward and should be checked prior to visiting.
For more information click here
Depending on the ward, different rules and arrangements apply. Please contact the ward the patient is staying on for further information.
Please be aware that a fee may apply for providing overnight accommodation for family and friends.
For wards/rooms all meals are prepared and served from our modern kitchen. Special dietary requirements and nutrition information is available on request.
Your length of stay in hospital will be determined by the procedure you have had and your recovery from it. Prior to discharge your doctor will identify if your recovery needs can be met by returning home to your family or a rehabilitation facility. They will identify what follow-up appointments and care is required.
Bendigo Health does not supply or hire items of equipment such as personal aids, shoes, dentures and spectacles which may be required to aid your recovery.
