Barwon Health

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Geelong, VIC
Barwon Health

Victoria's largest regional service, providing state-of-the-art treatment and care.

Barwon Health is established under the Health Services Act 1988 as a Schedule 5 public health service. Formed in 1998, Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia,
providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. With more than 8,758 staff, we are one of Australia’s
largest regional employers and the largest employer in Geelong. Barwon Health provides services for everyone who needs care, regardless of their financial status or the location of their usual residence. As a regional health service, we provide leadership and tertiary referral services across the
Barwon South West region. We provide services from the University Hospital Geelong precinct in central Geelong, the McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong and other locations including the Sunrise Centre, a partnership initiative with the Geelong Football Club and the Transport Accident Commission that provides a contemporary community venue for specialist community rehabilitation programs. We provide community health services from Anglesea, Belmont, Corio, Newcomb, and Torquay and dental services from Belmont, Corio and Newcomb. Our newest sites include Barwon Health North in Norlane providing, amongst other services, child and family health services, renal dialysis, medical imaging and an urgent care service. Mental health, drugs and alcohol services are provided at the Swanston Centre at University Hospital Geelong, Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) at Belmont Community Rehabilitation Facility, the McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre and Blakiston Lodge Psychogeriatric Unit at the McKellar Centre and 10 community-based locations including Belmont, central Geelong, Colac, Corio, Barwon Health North and Newcomb. We provide residential aged care beds across two sites: Alan David Lodge in Charlemont, and three lodges on the
McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong these include Percy Baxter Lodge, Wallace Lodge and Blakiston Lodge. We provide a comprehensive range of health services including acute care (medicine, surgery, women’s health,
paediatrics, emergency and specialist clinics), mental health, alcohol and other drugs services, primary care,
community health, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine, palliative care, community nursing and hospital in the home. As a major teaching hospital, we have relationships with Deakin University, LaTrobe University, the Gordon
Institute and other tertiary education providers including the University of Melbourne and Monash University. We
provide teaching and training for all health professionals across all disciplines, at all career stages.

13/09/2025

𝐋𝐮𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫, 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫
"I work as the dental team leader at Belmont Community Health Centre and also in Colac with Colac Area Health. I see around 20-30 patients per day. At Belmont we have six chairs and Colac Area Health has four chairs. I work with dentists, oral health therapists and dental prosthetists. We also have a nine-chair dental facility at Barwon Health North.

I am a dental prosthetist by background. I started out with a four-year apprenticeship, followed by a one-year diploma and then a two-and-a-half-year advanced diploma. During my training, I worked with patients at the dental hospital and later spent some time in private practice. I started at Barwon Health 18 years ago and worked as a clinician before training to become a team leader. I am now also the OH&S lead for dental.

Providing access to healthcare for people who might not otherwise be able to receive it is by far the most rewarding part of my job. It feels good to know the work we do genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives. I am really proud of the work we do in aged care and working with people like Rachel Martin to provide aged care education and services. We also provide dental services for kindergartens and schools as well as staff working in vans in remote areas to support people with limited access to dental services.

The people I work with here truly make a difference. I work with a wonderful group across a multidisciplinary team it’s a really positive and collaborative environment. You’re constantly learning from each other, which makes the workplace both dynamic and supportive."

11/09/2025

From 8–12 September, we’re recognising Malnutrition Week.

Did you know that up to 40% of hospital patients may be at risk of malnutrition? It can delay recovery, increase discomfort and impact overall wellbeing.

At Barwon Health, we use the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) at University Hospital Geelong and the Inpatient Rehabilitation Centre to identify patients at risk. Those identified are referred to a dietitian who provides a thorough assessment and tailored nutrition plan to support recovery.

Throughout September, our dietitians are also providing staff education sessions to raise awareness of the vital role nutrition screening plays in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition.

Dietitian Connection

11/09/2025

In this episode of Room 64, A Palliative Care Podcast, we are joined by Jess Bosnjak who is sharing her experience with palliative care when her mum Vicki was diagnosed with cancer.

Jess is interviewed by Amanda Myring who is a spiritual care worker in palliative care at Barwon Health. This is an insightful conversation with Jess about her mum, her sense of humour, her compassion for others, their love and the importance of those difficult conversations. Jess also shares her experiences of turning 30 while her mum was in the palliative care ward at the McKellar Centre, the caring staff and how they went out of their way to make it a memorable month.

Jess talks openly about the fear of dying and the importance of education and conversations to help ease the stress and deal with the decision making.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/podcasts/
🎧 Or direct via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EhAzgfVY7jl0HzmfhzbDN?si=OzR1XosWRt6LdYDmD5xg0Q

10/09/2025

You're invited to become a Friend of Barwon Health Research 🔬🤝

As a subscriber, you'll receive a regular newsletter to your inbox to learn about new opportunities to partner with researchers at Barwon Health. We'll also introduce you to our research teams, share how you can take part in clinical trials, and keep you up to date with the latest news and events.

Subscribe here: https://bit.ly/42lKLEY

10/09/2025

Has anyone lost this brave little explorer in our specialist outpatient clinics this week?

Mr. Fox is clinging to a paper chain for dear life, possibly in search of a nap spot... relatable, right? 💤

If this sleepy sidekick belongs to your little one, he’s safe and sound, dreaming of cuddles and nap time. Send us a message and we'll happily re-unite him with his owner.

💡And if you’re feeling like Mr. Fox; tired, hanging by a thread (literally), and just trying to settle the chaos - we’ve got your back.

Check out the Barwon Early Parenting Centre, here to help with sleep, settling, and all the wild adventures of parenting: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/service/barwon-early-parenting-centre/

10/09/2025

Residents at Alan David Lodge are enjoying a refurbished outdoor area thanks to a grant from the Victorian Department of Health's Aged Care Lifestyle and Equipment Grant.

Based on direct resident feedback, the refurbished space features artificial turf and a three-hole putting green – perfect for games, gentle exercise and spending quality time with family and friends.

The grant is also providing equipment for golf, bocce and other lawn games for residents to enjoy.

Pictured: Rachel Young (Lifestyle officer), George Smale (resident), Ana Hourihan (Facility manager), Karen Primmer (Acting director of aged care), Cris Sicat (Acting nurse unit manager, Alan David Lodge)

09/09/2025

Barwon Health is enhancing access to specialist medical services with the opening of a new Medical Day Hub at University Hospital Geelong.

This new purpose-built facility brings together four existing services, Hospital in the Home, Early Access Clinic, Medical Day Stay Unit and the Transit Lounge into one integrated space.

On Monday we were joined by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens with Barwon Health Board Chair The Hon. Lisa Neville to formally open the space.

The Medical Day Hub will be operational from 15 September. Patients already receiving care through the four integrated services will receive detailed information about the new location prior to their appointment.

🗞️ Read more: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/news/medical-day-hub-opens-at-university-hospital-geelong/

Pictured (L-R): Andrew Hughes (Clinical director, MESH directorate), The Hon Lisa Neville (Board Chair), Christine Couzens (Member for Geelong), Sarah Wynne (Medical Day Hub nurse unit manager) and Dr Brendan Payne (Hospital in the Home and Early Access consultant)

06/09/2025

𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫
"As the Oracle product manager, I am responsible for managing our Oracle ERP platform Oracle Fusion Cloud which is used for purchasing, supply chain, warehousing, projects and financial control and a number of other Oracle products including Oracle Integration Cloud, Oracle Guided Learning and Oracle Business Intelligence. Whilst I do administration for these systems, I also look after strategic direction so Barwon Health can get the most out of its investment in Oracle.

I started here seven years ago and started off by managing the rebuild of the Prompt system. I then moved into the project management office to assist with other major IT initiatives before stepping into my current role. In this role I am well recognised in the Oracle community and on several occasions I've been asked to lead presentations on Oracle products.

Each day is different. One day I can be supporting our Oracle users and other days I'll be buried in reviewing new innovations and technological trends. I love investing my time to make a difference for others, whether it's assisting with a query, problem-solving, configuring systems or introducing new innovations. I work with various teams at Barwon Health including procurement, purchasing, supply, warehousing and financial control. It's great that we're all supportive of each other and work as a team to ensure that our backend operations can assist frontline staff."

05/09/2025

While a small cut, graze or tear might not seem like much on the surface, every wound has the potential to become chronic if not treated properly.

On Wound Awareness Week (1-7 September), we're having conversations about how chronic wounds are a hidden epidemic in Australia, and how getting the right treatment at the right time can help prevent and heal them.

The Complex Wound Management Clinic at Barwon Health provides specialist assessment, diagnosis, management and support to patients with complex, reoccurring and non-healing wounds.

For more information about this service, visit: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/specialist-clinic/complex-wound-management-clinic/

For other helpful resources from Wounds Australia, visit: https://woundsaustralia.org/

04/09/2025

A new measles case has been confirmed in an adult who caught the infection overseas. Several public exposure sites have been identified in Victoria.

ℹ️ Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person to person and potentially lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

👉 Exposure: People who have attended the listed exposure sites, during the specified dates and times contained within the link below should monitor for symptoms of measles.

⚠️ Symptoms: Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.

For the full list of these exposure sites, symptoms to monitor for, and information about vaccinations: https://go.vic.gov.au/464bycG

31/08/2025

💜 💗 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 - 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

22-year-old Bronte Russell was only three years old when she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that is found in the adrenal glands.

The treatment journey for Bronte was very tough for both her and her family as they endured lengthy stays in hospital in Geelong and regular trips to Melbourne.

However, Bronte’s journey and the wonderful care she received during her treatment inspired her to pursue a career in health, with the hope of giving back and supporting other cancer patients like herself. As a child patient, Bronte is excited to see how the Barwon Women’s and Children’s project will support families like hers in the future.

Read Bronte's story here: https://bwc.barwonhealth.org.au/news/brontes-story/

30/08/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲/𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫
"My current role is with the eating disorder services at Barwon Health. I have had the privilege of implementing carer peer work in four different services in the six years I’ve been a carer peer worker. I first started at Swanston Centre moved to the McKellar Centre Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre and I now work in the eating disorder space, including the day program.

My role is to support those who have a loved one accessing a mental health service at Barwon Health. I use my own lived experience of supporting my own family members who have used these services in the past, as well as the collective experience of hundreds of carers over the years.

I started as a .4 FTE, then I worked full time and now as a .8 FTE which works well. I can use that time to do more of the things that are part of my creative side. These include flamenco dancing, crochet and drawing - all activities I have incorporated into my supports for our carers. A great way to introduce elements of mindfulness and an effective way to connect with carers. I also organise a specific all day carer retreat for our carers in the eating disorder service.

As part of my role I have delivered educational talks, including as part of the orientation to MHDAS staff. I love to talk about why lived experience works. I am a compassionate person at heart and my values align well with this work. To be a carer peer requires us to support carers by sitting beside them, sharing our stories in a purposeful way that leads to connection and trust. We actively listen to them and can help them understand the system and also share external resources relevant to their needs.

It's rewarding having carers say thank you and knowing you helped them. It’s part of what drives me to continue to do the work that at times can be hard. Lived experience work has shown me the enormous positive impact for carers if they are supported by someone who truly understands it."

Address

272-322 Ryrie Street
Geelong, VIC
3220

Telephone

+61342150000

Website

http://www.barwonhealth.org.au/

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Our Story

Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Health services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. With the exception of neurosurgery and transplantation, virtually all other specialties are available through University Hospital Geelong.

Care is provided to the community through:

Community health services at key locations throughout the region.

Aged care through the McKellar Centre and its sites at North Geelong and Charlemont.

Barwon Health

13/09/2025

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