Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is facing significant operational challenges as demand for its services continues to grow. Chief Executive Mandy Hutchinson highlighted the need for an urgent funding boost of $25 million to improve facilities at its central office located on Hargreaves Street. Staff members are currently working in cramped conditions, with makeshift offices in hallways and limited privacy for both clients and practitioners.
The BCHS team is experiencing overwhelming demand across various health services, including mental health, physical health, and addiction support. Hutchinson noted that the existing infrastructure is inadequate, making it difficult to provide the level of care the community deserves. “To keep up with demand and offer a better service to both clients and staff, we need a major funding injection across many of our offices,” she stated.
The proposed funding would facilitate the purchase of a new site and necessary renovations to create a safe and accessible environment. Hutchinson emphasized the importance of maintaining a welcoming space for both clients and employees, as the current setup compromises privacy and the overall effectiveness of care. “Infrastructure has to be the biggest challenge we face,” she added.
Overcrowding Impacts Service Delivery
During a tour of the Bendigo facility, the impact of overcrowding became evident. Appointments are often packed, with specialists managing multiple cases in limited rooms. To maintain confidentiality, music is played to mask private conversations, underscoring the need for improved facilities. Kathlyn Crisp, Senior Leader of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, oversees a team of 12 practitioners operating across just eight consultation rooms. She revealed that the unit frequently operates over capacity, serving up to 64 patients per day.
Crisp expressed the critical need for additional space, indicating that at least ten more rooms would be necessary to meet current demand, with an additional two to five rooms required for training future healthcare professionals. “We want to create a happier space, but we just don’t have the space for it,” she remarked.
Despite these challenges, the BCHS staff remains dedicated to delivering high-quality care. The unit is recognized as the largest provider of pregnancy termination services outside of Melbourne, reflecting its significance in the region.
Funding Sources and Community Impact
Hutchinson is actively seeking funding from both state government and philanthropic sources to address these pressing issues. She believes that an expanded BCHS would alleviate pressure on the emergency department at Bendigo Health and enhance service delivery for existing and future clients.
“From a community health perspective, we not only deliver services, but we also observe and respond to the needs within the community,” Hutchinson explained. The proposed funding is not merely a logistical necessity; it represents a commitment to enhancing the quality of care available to the people of Bendigo and beyond.
As BCHS continues to advocate for the necessary resources, the challenges of providing effective healthcare in a cramped environment remain a pressing concern. The demand for services is clear, and the organization is determined to find a solution that honors both the community it serves and its dedicated staff.
