Only 10 years ago it was commonplace for people across the Loddon Mallee region to require to travel to a major metropolitan hospital for diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation.
Thanks in large part to the generosity of our local community and the development of a state-of the art hospital facility, Bendigo Health can now offer many of these services locally, keeping patients closer to home and their loved ones.
Each year, Bendigo Health’s Fundraising & Foundation team is proud to facilitate donations in excess of $2 million to fund specialised equipment and programs.
Some of our most impactful projects are listed below
Cancer Wellness Program
Bendigo Health’s Cancer Wellness Program incorporates oncology massage, cancer rehabilitation, yoga, meditation, music and pet therapy and importantly a Cancer Wellness Coordinator to connect our patients to the services that best meet their physical and emotional needs. The Program is underpinned by funding received through Dry July and from the Dry July Foundation and many generous community donations.
Gobbé Wellness Centre
The Gobbé Wellness Centre is a space for all patients needing to take time out in a quiet, nurturing environment to reflect, relax and regroup. Named in honor Alan and Helen Gobbé for their significant financial contribution in their Will, the Centre is also only possible through funds received from Agnico Eagle, the Dry July Foundation and McKean McGregor.
Emergency Patient Clothing
Our Emergency Patient Clothing Program supplies basic clothing and underwear in our Emergency Department, most commonly for people who have been involved in trauma and their clothing has had to be cut away for treatment.
Books for Babies
Language and literacy levels for children aged 0-5 years in Greater Bendigo are lower than the Victorian average. With research indicating that more than 80% of brain development occurs in the first years of life, our Books for Babies promotes the involvement of families in early language and literacy development by providing every newborn in Bendigo with a free book and literacy information.
Music & Arts Project
The Music & Arts project coordinates volunteer musicians to come into the hospital to play the piano or other instruments in clinical areas. The project aims to provide a calming environment for patients and help reduce anxiety during their hospital visits. It forms part of a broader push to focus on the holistic care of patients, particularly within Bendigo Health’s Cancer Centre.
Pet Therapy
We are proud to fund pet therapy services. The dogs provide a welcome distraction and help reduce the stress and anxiety that can accompany hospital visits. Our pet therpay dogs include Sharlee who supports our Cancer Wellness Program and Orlando who works within our Mental Health areas. Orlando is currently taking a well-earned rest while his carer is on maternity leave.
Bendigo Health Foundation Funding Round Grants
Over $120,000 has been committed to specialised equipment and programs through the 2022/23 Bendigo Health Foundation Charitable Trustee Funding Grants. The program helps us support Bendigo Health’s staff by funding a range of initiatives that improve patient experience.
It is often the “little things” that create big impact, along with important equipment to support vital healthcare.
Our impact
Over recent years we’ve funded the technological advancement of our hospital through significant pieces of equipment including an Automated Dispensing System for our Pharmacy, a second Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab), a new volunteer driven patient bus and other vital medical equipment.
