Why? Our great new Bendigo Hospital is unable to provide what should be routine procedures related to vascular and some infection complications which resulted in a very sick, elderly man with cognitive dementia issues having to be transferred not once, but twice in the midnight hours to other hospitals in Melbourne.

The first one was Box Hill Hospital, which appears similar in design and features to Bendigo’s, but with an obvious emphasis on patient, family and staff needs over aesthetics. My father received excellent care during his three-week stay and my family felt safe and confident navigating around the hospital easily.

I have balance and migraine issues so I dread going to Bendigo Hospital and using elevators. I often wait at length to get an elevator on my own (no stops) or have to request a security guard escort me via a stairwell hidden in the inner workings of the hospital.  I can’t be the only one who would like to have an easy choice of stairs over elevators to access the hospital’s wards and other areas? I dread to think what would happen in an emergency.

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At Box Hill hospital staff and visitors safely had access to stairs to all wards and were well utilised (my father was on the eighth floor). Stairwells were visible at every level due their proximity to the elevator areas and having glass walls. It felt completely normal and safe.

Bendigo Hospital appears to have gone for the “wow” factor and chosen aesthetics over consumer needs. It’s a large, well-equipped hospital but doesn’t have specialists who can perform routine vascular procedures for people with complications such as those related to diabetes. It defies logic as to why a region the size of City of Greater Bendigo can’t support its major hospital to acquire these much needed medical services and professionals.

Yes, Bendigo Hospital looks impressive but falls well short of the standards of care and facilities our metro hospitals can offer, even compared to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, with its poor state and cramped spaces.

That was the next hospital my father was transferred to in the midnight hours - again after waiting hours in the Bendigo’s emergency department only to again learn they didn’t have available doctors with the expertise to do surgery if it was needed. The Royal Melbourne made up for its decaying foundations with excellent staff and care. I noticed no lack of staff as I sat with my father from midnight till early morning in the emergency department and I felt relieved after having no sleep to see stairs for the public to access to every level.

In early June I completed and emailed the hospital feedback forms on quality and risk at Bendigo Health, relaying my concerns and received a response that they were being investigated and would be responded to as soon as information became available. I am still waiting.

Letters must include name, address and contact telephone number. Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or via a digital form at bendigoadvertiser.com.au

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