Bendigo Health

26/02/2026

Ray Nicholson has joined Bendigo Health as a new Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.

With over 25 years of experience in Prostate Cancer, Ray is excited to make a difference for men and their families in our region.

“Approximately 400 new cases of Prostate Cancer diagnosed in our region each year, that’s more than one per day,” Ray said.

“With our ageing population that figure will increase and we need to do all we can to support men and their families on their prostate cancer journey.”

Ray is currently seeing 25-30 patients per week and is keen to explore further service enhancements, particularly in sexual, physical and mental health for men suffering from prostate cancer.

Ray’s role is funded through a partnership between Bendigo's Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, Bendigo Health Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

22/02/2026

This year, almost 150 graduate nurses and midwives will begin their careers at Bendigo Health.

From Cancer Services and Special Care Nursery to Emergency and Critical Care, Orthopaedics, Mental Health and Residential Care, they gain experience across a wide range of clinical settings, building skills, knowledge and confidence in a supportive environment.

Graduates will work across:
• Cancer Services including oncology and radiotherapy
• Community Nursing
• Emergency and Critical Care
• Midwifery
• Medical
• Mental Health
• Orthopaedics
• Paediatrics
• Palliative Care
• Rehabilitation
• Renal
• Residential Care
• Surgical and Surgical Services

We wish all new recruits joining Bendigo Health this year every success as they step into their roles and begin caring for our community.

13/02/2026

We have two exceptional leadership opportunities within the nursing and midwifery teams at Bendigo Health.

Midwife Unit Manager, Birthing Suites.

Inspire a team that values compassion, innovation and excellence, supporting our Birthing Suites staff to provide trusted, family-centred care every day.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gV2VA3jk

Midwife Unit Manager, Women's Ward.

Lead with compassion and collaboration, guiding teams to deliver exceptional care and drive excellence across women’s health services.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gtUBFuNf

11/02/2026

Free Online Webinars for Carers

Caring for a family member, friend or loved one can be rewarding, but it can also leave you feeling stretched or overwhelmed. To support carers, Carer Gateway is offering two free online webinars in February.

Who can attend: Anyone providing care to a family member, friend, or loved one with mental illness, disability, medical condition, or age-related frailty, whether daily or a few hours a week.

Understanding Carer Counselling, February 17, 1PM.

Explore how Carer Counselling can help carers feel supported and access confidential, free support. Includes live Q&A with Carer Counsellor, Cassandra Allen, Carer Gateway – Holstep Health.

Book here:
https://automation.carergatewayvictoria.org.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz695c9330d380b528/interface.html

Carer Coaching - Setting Goals for Carers, February 24, 1PM.

Learn how Carer Gateway’s coaching can help carers make space for personal goals. Includes a live Q&A with Carer Coaches, Janneke Barber-Stevens (Grampians Health) and Suzie Hogan (Uniting VicTas)

Book here:
https://automation.carergatewayvictoria.org.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz695b531c2b7ae930/interface.html

05/02/2026

Be your best with us.

Support families when it matters most as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse at Bendigo Health.

Make a real difference in your community every day.

Deliver trusted, evidence based care that supports parents and gives children the best start.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://bendigohealth.org.au/careers/

Job reference #3573.

28/01/2026

Come together, get moving and support the areas of Bendigo Health that matter most to you.

Take part in the Bendigo Ford Fun Run on 1 March 2026 and choose the cause you want to fundraise for. Every step counts.

Early bird entries close 31 January. Register now:

Sign-up for the Bendigo Ford Fun Run on Sunday, 1 March 2026 and help raise funds for the Bendigo Health Foundation!

25/01/2026

This month, Bendigo Health welcomed 43 new intern doctors as they took their first steps into medical careers.

The interns are rotating through specialties including emergency, medicine, surgery, psychiatry, oncology and more, building strong foundations before progressing into specialty training.

Clinical Director of Cancer Services, Associate Professor Robert Blum, highlighted the importance of the internship year.

“It’s their first year as doctors. Our role is to provide strong education, supervision and a safe environment so they can begin their careers well and continue supporting our growing community.”

Among the new interns is Bendigo local Billy Quirk, who has returned home to begin his medical career.

“I grew up in Bendigo. Now I’m back as a doctor, giving back to the community that supported me.”

Bendigo Health is proud to support the next generation of doctors caring for our community now and into the future.

23/01/2026

We are expecting extreme temperatures across the Loddon Mallee region over the coming days.

Warm weather can be dangerous, so it is important to prepare and look after yourself and others.

To stay cool:
🟠 Plan ahead
🟠 Drink plenty of water
🟠 Never leave anyone in a car
🟠 Spend time in cool or air-conditioned spaces
🟠 Check in on others

Hot weather can lead to dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. It can also worsen existing health conditions, including heart and kidney problems.

Contact your local council to find cool, safe places near you.

For more tips and information, visit: https://bendigohealth.org.au/heat-health/

16/01/2026

Emergencies can affect people in many ways. Feeling worried, tired, upset or overwhelmed is a normal response during recovery.

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for your physical health. Talking with someone you trust, staying connected and knowing where to find support can make a real difference.

Health, wellbeing and recovery supports are available.

Find support services here:
https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/

If you need health advice or are unsure what to do, Nurse-on-Call is available 24/7 on 1300 60 60 24.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

You don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Support is available.

The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (LMPHU) was established in August 2020 under the direction of the Department of Health in response to the impact of the COVID pandemic in our region.

12/01/2026

As communities begin returning home after the bushfires, recovery is a gradual process. Taking simple, careful steps can help protect your health and safety.

🟠 Only return home once emergency services confirm it is safe.

🟠 When you do return, take care and move slowly. Bushfire impacts can leave behind hazards that are not always easy to see.

Helpful steps include:

🟠 Wear protective clothing such as a P2 mask and disposable gloves or overalls

🟠 Watch for hazards such as ash, damaged materials, chemicals and dust

🟠 Open windows and doors to let fresh air and sunlight in

🟠 Clean surfaces with mild detergent and water

🟠 Throw out food, medicines, makeup and toiletries affected by heat or smoke

🟠 If you use tank water, inspect your roof, gutters and tank before using it. If the water looks, smells or tastes unusual, do not drink it. Use bottled water for drinking. Water that is not suitable for drinking can still be used on gardens.

Safe clean-up guidance:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/bushfire-aftermath-safety-tips

Water tank safety:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/bushfires-and-water-tanks

For current warnings and updates, follow VicEmergency:
https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/

Healthcare across the Loddon Mallee is set for a major step forward, with Bendigo Health announcing the creation of its first-ever Chair of Clinical Research.

07/01/2026

Severe to extreme heat is forecast in our region.

Know the risks, be prepared and stay healthy.

For more information on how to stay safe during extreme heat, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4pEHtsC

30/12/2025

The Bendigo Health Excellent Care Awards 2025 celebrated teams driving innovation and improving patient care across our organisation.

We are proud to recognise the five finalists whose initiatives are making a real difference every day.

Winner - Podiatry Services for implementing a podiatry service model in the community dialysis unit

Limited weekend allied health coverage was a barrier to patient flow and longer hospital stays. As part of the TEC2 project, seven disciplines and diabetes education expanded weekend services. Multiple PDSA cycles refined rostering, discharge planning, and communication between wards and clinicians. The trial improved patient care, staff and patient satisfaction, and outcomes, including a reduction in length of stay, a 63% increase in weekend discharges from Ward 4A, greater access to allied health, and avoided ED admissions.

2nd place - Mental Health and Wellbeing Services for their project: Sensory Hour: A Calming Space for Recovery in Inpatient Mental Health Services

3rd place - Allied Health Services for their project: Improving Patient Flow through Enhanced Weekend Allied Health Services

Honourable mentions
1. Allied Health Services for their SOAR Project: Strengthening our Allied Health Recruitment and Retention in Loddon Mallee
2. Mental Health & Wellbeing Services for their work on Move for Mental Health – A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

We also congratulate Daniel Atkinson, winner of the Evan Stanyer Innovative Health Research Award.

Daniel, a physiotherapist in acute orthopaedics, will now bring his research idea to life: Enhancing joint replacement recovery by integrating psychosocial factors into discharge prediction at Bendigo Health.

His work demonstrates originality, impact, and the potential to improve health outcomes, making him a truly deserving recipient.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners for their outstanding contributions