FAQs

The Bendigo Hospital Project is the largest regional hospital development in Victoria. It delivers a state-of-the-art, world-class regional hospital to the City of Greater Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee Region, that incorporates the latest design and technology solutions, in one of the state’s most environmentally sustainable settings.
The project is maximising architectural design to create a tranquil and caring environment for staff, patients and visitors through its integration of architecture, landscaping, health planning and evidence-based design.

The Bendigo Hospital Project will be delivered as a public private partnership under the Victorian Government’s Partnerships Victoria policy. The PPP’s private partner is Exemplar Health, while its public counterpart is the Victorian State Government. Exemplar Health is a consortium, made up of four market leaders: Lendlease (builder), Spotless (facilities manager), Siemens (equity provider) and Capella Capital (sponsor). As a PPP partner, Exemplar Health has entered into a long term contract, with the State Government – and what that means is the consortium is responsible for the design, the construction and the management of the hospital’s non-clinical services. It’s a contract that will last 25 years, and will enable Bendigo Health to focus solely on healthcare, while Exemplar Health’s consortium member, Spotless delivers services such as food provision from the hospital kitchen, building maintenance, cleaning, security and portering across the Bendigo Health campus.

Stage One of the project, which includes the new hospital, has been completed and opened in late January, 2017. Stage Two of the project, which includes a multi-deck carpark, helipad, short-stay accommodation units, conference facility and further retail outlets, will be completed in June 2018.

 Yes, the new intensive care unit and the helipad will be in close proximity of each other – and the helipad will be connected to a two-level air-bridge that spans across Arnold Street. The bridge has a dedicated level for public use – and one for helipad transfers.

The helipad will be located on top of the new multi-storey carpark. Patients will be transported to the hospital via the enclosed link-bridge which spans across Arnold Street. The link-bridge is designed with two dedicated levels, one for use by general public, and one for use by air-transported patients and rapid response medical teams.

There are a number of buildings on the existing Bendigo Hospital campus that will be repurposed, as valued additions to the new Bendigo Hospital precinct. Some of these are heritage gems, such as the Anne Caudle Centre, the old concert hall and old lying-in hospital, which serve as an important link to the past. For all restoration work, we are working closely with Heritage Victoria to ensure restoration works and final fit-out are in accordance with all guidelines.

Once established, the conference centre facilities will be available for bookings by the general public including community groups, the business community and Bendigo Health.

The Schaller Studio provides a convenient accommodation option for visitors to the hospital, while adding to the vibrant accommodation options in the city of Bendigo. Regular guests include families, carers and friends of patients, as well as visiting medical and research professionals. About 70 per cent of Bendigo Health patients are from areas outside of Bendigo, such as Swan Hill and Echuca,
Bendigo Health currently has subsidised accommodation options for cancer patients and their families who are required to travel to Bendigo for treatment. These facilities are located in Nolan Street, Lucan Street and Napier Street. In 2017 the Bendigo Hospital Project will develop a 15-unit affordable accommodation hub for families and carers, as well as patients needing to return for repeat appointments. This development will be part of Stage Two of the project.

Established in 2014, and designed with a capacity of 100 enrolments, the project’s childcare centre is operated by Jenny’s Early Learning Centre which provides childcare services to local residents, including staff members and patients. Due to its location, a large percentage of Bendigo Health staff members use this service, chosen for its caring, quality services and its convenient location.

For more information about Jenny’s Early Learning Centre www.jennyselc.com.au.

Yes, heritage works are being completed to restore buildings of significance including the Anne Caudle Centre building.

At this stage, there are no specific plans for either of these buildings.

The State Government, Bendigo Health and Exemplar Health are committed to engaging with the community throughout this development and updating the public on the construction stages of the new hospital. Monthly construction updates are provided on this website.

Construction works will generally occur between 7am – 3.30pm Monday to Saturday. The project’s planning permits allow work to occur onsite until 7pm weekdays and until 5pm on Saturdays with a requirement to ensure certain noisy construction activities are completed by 6pm weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays. The site will generally be closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The traffic management study indicated that no traffic lights were required for this intersection.

As part of the PPP, the Exemplar Health consortium is responsible for designing, building and then maintaining the new facility for 25 years. Exemplar Health is made up of four market leaders: Lendlease (builder), Spotless (facilities manager), Siemens (equity provider) and Capella Capital (sponsor).