St John of God Bendigo Hospital

28/10/2025

✨Occupational Therapy Week 2025✨

This week we celebrate our amazing Occupational Therapists and the vital role they play in helping people live life to the fullest.

The 2025 theme - “Occupational Therapy: Empowering Everyday Independence” - highlights how OTs support people to participate in the activities that matter most to them, no matter their age, ability, or stage of recovery.

At St John of God Bendigo Hospital, our Occupational Therapists work across wards and specialties to help patients regain independence, build confidence, and safely return to everyday life after illness, surgery, or injury.

Thank you to our dedicated OT team for the compassion, creativity and care you bring to every patient journey.

27/10/2025

100 Robotic Surgeries! 🎉

St John of God Bendigo Hospital has today completed its 100th robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Xi system - just months after our first case in March.

With strong clinical uptake and community support, we are on track for 120 cases by Christmas, bringing world-class, minimally invasive care closer to home for people across central and northern Victoria.

Thank you to our caregivers, surgeons, donors and community for making this milestone possible.

24/10/2025

💗 Wear It Pink Day 💗
This month, we come together to honour the strength, courage and resilience of those affected by breast cancer.

To our survivors - we celebrate you.
To those currently facing treatment - we stand beside you.
To the families, friends, and carers - thank you for being the strength behind the strength.

We also recognise our incredible healthcare teams, researchers and volunteers whose dedication continues to save lives and bring hope for the future.

Today reminded us not only of awareness, but of action - to support, educate and advocate for every person touched by breast cancer.

22/10/2025

Early detection saves lives. This month, we stand with those affected and remind everyone to prioritise regular breast checks and screening. 💗

21/10/2025

Congratulations to our Director of Marketing & Business Development, Anna Hill, ranked #38 on Bendigo’s Most Powerful & Influential People list!

Recognised for leadership, innovation and community impact - including championing the da Vinci Xi surgical robot at St John of God Bendigo Hospital.

A Harvard graduate with international career experience, Anna brings a global perspective to building partnerships that keep compassionate care close to home.

A well-deserved achievement - we’re proud of you, Anna!👏💙

Read full article here: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/bendigo/bendigos-most-powerful-and-influential-people-ranked-part-1-numbers-50-to-26-revealed/news-story/e4f85664828a3641dc20b5c95a53af00?giftid=vw9ahJHieY

From industry leaders and entrepreneurs to politicians and community stalwarts, we’ve compiled a list of the top 50 most powerful people in Bendigo.

21/10/2025

This week we’re celebrating Pastoral Care Week 💜

At St John of God Bendigo Hospital, our Pastoral Practitioners are a vital part of our Healing Mission - offering compassionate support through life’s most significant moments.

This year’s theme, “Here With You,” is symbolised by the pomegranate tree - representing growth, renewal and connection.

Take a moment for yourself this week and visit our Pastoral Care Tree installation.
Pause, reflect, and pin a word that resonates with you - something that inspires peace, gratitude or hope.

Thank you to our Pastoral Care team for being here with us, for us, and for all who seek healing and hope.

20/10/2025

Caregiver of the Month – Congratulations James Breene!

James is the Volunteer and Community Inclusion Manager and was nominated for the professional, polite and gentle manner in which he engages with everyone who comes into the hospital.

Highly organised and generous with his time, James is always willing to lend a hand and support others. He consistently goes above and beyond to promote our hospital and strengthen its reputation within the community.

James truly embodies the values of St John of God, demonstrating hospitality and compassion in all his relationships. A strong advocate for others, his commitment to justice and respect shines through both professionally and personally.

Fantastic achievement, James, on being recognised as our Caregiver of the Month for September. You are now eligible for the St John of God Award, to be presented in March next year.

15/10/2025

Yesterday we celebrated our incredible Allied Health caregivers at our Hospital!

From physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitians to social workers, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists, our Allied Health professionals represent a diverse range of disciplines - all working together to support every stage of prevention, recovery and wellbeing.

This year’s Allied Health Professions Day theme, “Stronger Together,” highlights the power of teamwork and the way multidisciplinary care helps us deliver the best outcomes for our patients and clients.

Thank you to all our Allied Health caregivers for your compassion, expertise and commitment to care. You truly make a difference every day.

Learn more about our Allied health service: www.sjog.org.au/our-locations/st-john-of-god-bendigo-hospital/our-services/rehabilitation-services/allied-health

15/10/2025

We feel very blessed to have Shanya as part of the St John of God Bendigo Hospital team.🩷
Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Meet Bendigo McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Shanya, who brings calm, confidence and care to people across the Loddon Mallee region.

With nearly 20 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, Shanya has been part of the McGrath Foundation since 2023, helping people and their families navigate the challenges of their diagnoses - offering clarity, comfort and expert care. 🩷

“Everyone’s experience with cancer is different, and my role is to support each patient to ensure they receive the best possible care.”

Thank you, Shanya, for your strength and compassion in helping families navigate cancer in your community.

👉 Need support? Find your nearest McGrath Cancer Care Nurse at https://mcgfdn.com/FindANurse

15/10/2025

Celebrating Sterile Processing Week | October 12 – 18

This week we proudly recognise our incredible Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) team —> the unseen backbone of our Perioperative Service.

Every reusable medical device that reaches our operating theatres is a reflection of their precision, vigilance and commitment to patient safety. CSSD Week is an opportunity to pause and celebrate the expertise, consistency and teamwork that ensures our surgical patients receive the highest standard of care.

10/10/2025

Caregivers gathered this morning to press pause on the ‘24/7’ in recognition of World Mental Health Day.🧡

A beautiful yoga session under the stunning light of the Hospital Atrium was followed by a shared breakfast - a moment to unwind, connect and reset.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Senior Exercise Physiologist, Katie Sutton, who led the session and reminded us of the power of a smile - and the importance of taking ‘the mat’ with us as we move through whatever the day may bring.

08/10/2025

Yesterday, we celebrated St John of God Health Care’s Foundation Day - honouring the Sisters of St John of God, who began their mission in Wexford, Ireland, in 1871, and reflecting on the legacy of care and community that continues today.

We marked the occasion with a Foundation Day Mass, followed by caregiver valued service awards, celebrating the dedication and commitment of our caregivers to our hospital and community.

A special mention to Robyn Williams (45 years), Tracey Stevens (40 years) and Angela Higgins (25 years) for their incredible service and contribution over the years.

The celebrations continued with a Mexican feast for caregivers in the sunshine - a big thank you to Dallas and his incredible team for making it such a wonderful event.

Valued Service awards.
Thank you for the compassion you show each day and the difference you make in the lives of those you care for.

45 years
Robyn Williams

40 years
Tracey Stevens

25 years
Angela Higgins

20 years
Adele Noble
Glenda Wilkie
Hayley Cannon
Jacqueline Byrne
Jennifer McCullough
Lynette Davis
Nicole Crameri

15 years
Alison Coultas
Anthea Sheahan
Bernadette Purcell
Caitlin Epps
Cathy Lawrence
Claire Demaria
Elizabeth Barker
Elizabeth McEncroe
Karen Rayner
Kathryn De Prada
Mary Stephens
Sally Dunn
Tamara Tuohey
Todd Miller

10 years
Ainslie Frost
Brooke McLeish
Catherine Biles
Corina Brewster
Donna Rovers
Emily Wilkie
Glenda Newson
Jarrod Martin
Kirby Pattinson
Lisa Hemphill
Lynda Wyles
Melissa Chisholm
Michelle Law
Michelle Scott
Mudith Anthony
Sally-Ann Gibson
Sara Berry
Sharon Stone

5 years
Alyse Stroobants
Benedicta Gagakuma
Caitlin Keely
Chase Atendido
Courtney Warren
Courtney-Ellen McKinley
Dallas Pedretti
Debra Alexander
Faye Rea
Kaitlyn Read
Kalinda Stanton
Louisa Kristiansen
Machelle Waterman
Maree Sahinovic
Meliha Kearns
Mia Green
Michelle Hadfield
Narelle Davidson
Pippa Martin
Rhiannon Stannard
Rica Eloisa Fe Gutang
Sally Singline