More choice thanks to private hospital care in Bendigo

12 Dec 2018

12 December 2018

Ross’ decision to have knee surgery in 2017 at St John of God Bendigo Hospital was quite simple after his right knee had “blown out” running down his driveway, while wear and tear to his left knee had recently forced him to change jobs.

“I was able to choose to delay my surgery until after my son’s wedding on the 17 November, and my surgeon booked me in for surgery on both knees on the 23 November," he said.

“I had a great dance at my son’s wedding and I remember saying to my wife Helen that I was going to dance like my knees would be replaced next week.”

St John of God Bendigo Hospital Chief Executive Officer Trevor Matheson said it was great to see how the hospital was giving people in Bendigo and surrounding areas more choice with their healthcare.

“Ross’ experience is a great example of how choosing to use your private health insurance and becoming a patient at St John of God Bendigo Hospital, gives you access to minimal waiting times for care, your doctor of choice, and compassionate private care, right here in Central Victoria,” he said.

“In 2017, we completed a $40 million redevelopment at the hospital which included two brand new operating theatres, a new three-storey wing and refurbishment across all of our rooms as a part of our investment in providing healthcare to the community in the future.”

Ross said his experience at the redeveloped hospital went above and beyond his expectations.

“I didn’t have to worry about a thing in hospital,” he said.

“I remember being awake at 2.00am and a nurse sat with me for about an hour, just listening and discussing a whole range of things. I think that really helped with my frame of mind in hospital.

“It wasn’t just the nurses, it was everybody – the cleaners, the food services assistants – everybody was very respectful."