Hospital goes green after generational revamp

THE unveiling of a new 4,000sqm green space at Bendigo Health has marked the completion of the 13-year overhaul of its Barnard Street precinct.

The space, which covers the footprint of the hospital’s recently demolished, decades-old former east and north wing towers, features more than 1,500 new native plants and trees and a large pre-existing elm tree.

The opening also flags the final stage of the $63.5m Bendigo Health clinical services campus project in Stewart Street, which brings a range of specialist clinics together including outpatient rehabilitation, allied health, dental, mental health, renal dialysis, breast screening and diabetes education.

With these services now in one place, allied health professionals are reported to be benefiting from working closer together – improving health outcomes for their patients.

The project complements the $630m main hospital redevelopment, which was finished in 2018.

“From state-of-the-art clinical facilities to the newly complete green spaces, the transformation of the Bendigo Health precinct will make it easier for Bendigo locals to access the care they need,” said Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne.

Premier and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan added: “We’ve delivered a beautiful green space for the community as part of our redevelopment of Bendigo Health.

“This is all about making it easier for locals to access the care and support they need without having to travel far from home.”

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the completion of the precinct is an exciting and proud occasion for the region.