Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is facing significant operational challenges as it seeks an urgent funding boost of $25 million to address an overwhelming demand for its health services. The organization, located on Hargreaves Street, is struggling with inadequate facilities that hinder its ability to provide effective care for clients across various health sectors, including mental health, sexual health, and addiction services.
The chief executive of BCHS, Mandy Hutchinson, emphasized that the current infrastructure is insufficient to meet the growing needs of both clients and staff. Employees often work in cramped conditions, with some staff using makeshift offices in hallways. Consultation rooms are overcrowded, and privacy is frequently compromised during sensitive counselling sessions. Hutchinson noted that to enhance the service quality and ensure staff retention, a significant investment in new facilities is essential.
In her remarks, Hutchinson stated, “It is such a great location, we can’t imagine moving too far from somewhere like this.” She highlighted the need for a new site that could be fitted out to create a safe and accessible environment for clients. The proposed funding would facilitate this transition, allowing BCHS to better serve the community and improve working conditions for its staff.
The organization has experienced numerous challenges over the past 18 months, with infrastructure issues being the most pressing. Hutchinson expressed the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere where clients can heal and staff can thrive. “We want to keep staff,” she said, underscoring the necessity of resources that would attract professionals and enable them to provide optimal care.
During a recent tour of the BCHS facility, the conditions faced by staff and clients became evident. Appointment schedules are strained, with specialists managing multiple consultations in overcrowded rooms. To maintain confidentiality, staff often resort to playing music to mask private conversations. Furthermore, the culturally safe refugee resettlement team operates in a cramped space, affecting their ability to assist individuals effectively.
A senior leader at BCHS, Kathlyn Crisp, oversees a team of 12 practitioners who work within only eight consultation rooms. The team faces a daunting reality, as the unit frequently operates “over capacity,” handling up to 64 patients a day. Crisp’s department addresses a wide range of issues, from pregnancy and menopause to gender-diverse care and STI screenings. To meet the rising demand, she indicated that the unit would require at least 10 rooms and additional space for training future healthcare professionals.
BCHS also provides the largest pregnancy termination service outside of Melbourne in the state. Hutchinson reiterated that the organization requires approximately $25 million to expand its services across the region. Potential funding sources could include the state government or philanthropic contributions. She is actively advocating for this financial support, believing that an expanded BCHS would help alleviate pressure on the Bendigo Health emergency department and deliver improved outcomes for clients.
From a community health perspective, Hutchinson emphasized that BCHS not only delivers services but also actively responds to the needs of the community. “We actually see what is happening in the community, and we try to respond,” she said, highlighting the organization’s commitment to addressing local health challenges.
In summary, the urgent call for funding reflects BCHS’s dedication to providing essential health services while addressing the pressing needs of both clients and staff. With the right financial support, the organization aims to create an environment that fosters healing and professional development, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
