Screening service nears milestone

CLOSE to four thousand women in Greater Bendigo have received breast screening services in the region since the first stage of Bendigo Health’s Day Rehabilitation Centre was completed in March.

Bendigo Health expects its BreastScreen service will provide screenings for more than 8000 patients annually, under the direction of medical professionals, and that means locals no longer need to travel further afield for the checkups.

Stage two of the project is set to be completed at the end of the year and, according to a spokesperson from the State Government, involves the demolition of the old East and North Wing tower buildings at the Day Rehabilitation Centre to facilitate a new green open space for community use.

The centre will allow patients access to a range of health services under one roof, including recovery from accidents, injury, and medical conditions, such as stroke or heart attack.

There will be a focus on a “holistic and patient-centred” approach to such care, according to the Government spokesperson, who also said integrating services will allow for more “seamless” care, improved health outcomes, and fewer hospital re-admissions.

“Our transformation of the Bendigo Health Precinct will deliver world-class healthcare to this growing region, ensuring locals can receive the best care close to home,” said Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.

Amenities include a new hydrotherapy pool, outpatient rehabilitation, allied health, dental, mental health, renal dialysis, and diabetes services, along with the breast screening.

Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, said she was pleased to see residents were utilising the service.

“We know how critical regular breast screening is in the early detection of breast cancer, so it is fantastic to see so many Bendigo locals already taking advantage of this free service at the new Day Rehabilitation Centre,” she said.