Three-year plan focus for hospital

BENDIGO Health has launched its new strategic plan, which will guide the hospital and its services until 2025.

The document outlines the health services “opportunities” for the next three years, including expanding outreach and at-home care, aged care reform using recommendations from the recent Royal Commission, and work with other health care providers, governments, general practitioners and community health.

Bendigo Health board chair Dr Ewa Piejko said the plan takes into consideration feedback from staff and volunteers, community members, and stakeholders.

“This is a plan which values innovation, working in collaboration with community and undertaking proactive, informed planning for new and expanded services so we meet the needs of our region’s diverse population,” Dr Piejko said.

“Healthcare has seen significant, rapid change. Throughout the pandemic, Bendigo Health has led the way in our region, adapting how we provide care to people in need of our services.

“The new strategic plan highlights the many opportunities to have come from the pandemic such as increasing the use of digital technology to provide more people with access to quality healthcare from home.”

The key document includes commitments for the hospital, such as improving patient information and cultural awareness and the completion of the new day rehabilitation centre.

According to the plan, Bendigo Health is aiming to have 35 per cent of outpatient appointments conducted via telehealth and will seek to reduce the number of people on waitlists for elective surgery.