Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is urgently seeking $25 million to address significant operational challenges at its central office on Hargreaves Street. The organization faces a growing demand for health services, which has resulted in cramped working conditions, including staff working in makeshift offices and counselling sessions held in public spaces where confidentiality is compromised.
According to BCHS chief executive Mandy Hutchinson, the current infrastructure limits the ability to provide effective services for clients and hinders staff performance. “To keep up with demand and offer a better service to both clients and staff, we need a major funding injection,” Hutchinson stated. The proposed funding would facilitate the purchase and renovation of a new site that meets safety and accessibility standards. “It is such a great location; we can’t imagine moving too far from somewhere like this,” she added.
The challenges facing BCHS are multifaceted. Hutchinson emphasized that improving facilities is essential not only for client care but also for staff retention and development. “Infrastructure has to be the biggest challenge we face,” she said, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for both clients and practitioners. “People need access to infrastructure that honors who they are and gives them space to heal.”
During a recent tour of the Bendigo facility, it became evident how pressing these issues are. Medical professionals reported overcrowded rooms where specialists struggle to meet the needs of patients. In one instance, music is played to mask private conversations, which raises concerns about patient confidentiality. The Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, led by Kathlyn Crisp, operates at full capacity, with an average of 64 patients per day coming through just eight consultation rooms. Crisp noted that the unit requires at least 10 rooms to adequately meet current demand, along with additional space for training future healthcare professionals.
The hub provides a variety of services, including pregnancy care, menopause management, and gender-diverse healthcare, making it a critical resource for the community. Despite the overwhelming pressure on staff, there is a shared commitment to delivering high-quality care. “The team is amazing and strives to provide the best service we can,” Crisp remarked.
Hutchinson believes that an expanded BCHS would relieve pressure on the Bendigo Health emergency department and enhance the overall healthcare experience for the community. “From a community health perspective, we not only deliver services, but we also respond to what is happening in the community,” she said. The organization is actively seeking funding from both the state government and philanthropic sources to support this initiative.
As demand for healthcare services continues to rise, BCHS faces an urgent need for funding and infrastructure improvements. The organization is determined to create an environment where both clients and staff can thrive. Without substantial investment, the current limitations may hinder BCHS’s ability to fulfill its mission to provide essential services to the Bendigo community.
