The new Bendigo hospital has been running at capacity since opening.
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More than 49,000 people have been admitted to the hospital in the last financial year – an increase of almost 5000 people from the previous year.
“Bendigo Health knew demand would increase for our services and we’ve seen this from day one. The hospital operates close to or at capacity every day,” a Bendigo Health spokesperson said.
Bendigo Health knew demand would increase for our services and we’ve seen this from day one.
- Bendigo Health spokesperson
The need for beds in the hospital comes after reports an elderly patient spent 18 hours in the emergency department waiting for a bed in the hospital wards to open up.
A family member said the patient was well cared for and had no medical reason to stay in emergency with hospital staff saying there were no other beds available.
The elderly patient was eventually admitted to a ward and stayed three more nights before being discharged.
“Patients who present to our Emergency Department and require admission are assessed and cared for by specialist staff,” the Bendigo Health spokesperson said.
“Every effort is made to admit them to the appropriate ward as soon as possible. In the meantime they continue to be looked after by our expert team.
“We do not comment on individual patients.”
But there are hopes Bendigo Health will be able to increase its capacity thanks to a boost in funding.
The state government announced today it will invest $320.46 million in Bendigo Health as part of its annual budget allocation for Victorian hospitals – an increase of $34.67 million from the previous 12 months.
The funding boost is expected to open more beds, offer better specialist care and give families greater access to a variety of services.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the funding would help hospital staff provide better care for patients.
“We’re helping (our doctors, nurses, allied and other healthcare workers) by opening more beds to reduce patient waiting times for surgery and emergency care,” she said.
In total, the state government is investing $19.4 billion in Victoria’s health system.