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.

22/01/2026

🦟 Ross River virus has been detected in mosquitoes in traps in the Greater Geelong region in recent weeks, serving as an important reminder for the community to be aware of the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes and peaks during periods of warmer weather and rainfall, including during floods and high tides. ☀️ 🌧️

🤧 Symptoms can include fever and chills, joint pain and muscle aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes and headaches. Most people recover completely within 3 to 6 months, however those with ongoing symptoms should speak to their General Practitioner (GP).

The best way to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases is to:
✅ Wear protective clothing
✅ Apply mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET)
✅ Limiting time outdoors if lots of mosquitoes are around
✅ Ensuring no stagnant water is left around your home or property

Ross River virus is not spread directly from one person to another.

For more information and advice:
👉 Visit the Better Health Channel via https://bit.ly/3LrXCDb
👉 Speak to your GP
👉 Contact Nurse-on-Call via 1300 60 60 24 for confidential, 24/7 health advice

17/01/2026

🚨 A new measles case has been reported in the Geelong region. The confirmed case attended Barwon Health North in Norlane on the 16 January 2026 between 11.20 am and 12.25 pm, and was present near the ground floor reception area.

There is an ongoing risk of measles in returning travellers from overseas or interstate. Anyone planning to go overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine. Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before departure.

Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, followed by a red rash.

📍 Find the most up to date listed exposure sites here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/measles-public-exposure-sites-victoria

If you were born during or after 1966 and haven’t had two doses of measles vaccine, or you’re not sure if you are fully vaccinated against measles, speak to your local GP or pharmacist about getting your vaccinations as soon as possible. The Barwon Health Vaccination Centre in Belmont can provide vaccinations to those requiring urgent vaccination.

For more information for health professionals, and for details around vaccination see the latest advisory from the Chief Health Officer here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/new-measles-case-in-victoria-4

For information on measles including symptoms, those at risk and vaccination see the Better Health Channel here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles

16/01/2026

𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐤
"I am a ward clerk on Patricia Heath Wing 7, a busy general medicine and respiratory ward. My role is to provide admin and reception support to the ward. I work closely with the nurse in charge helping to manage and prioritise admissions, discharges and transfers. This includes updating the computer with patient movements, preparing paperwork, managing patient histories, making and documenting appointments, booking transport and liaising with doctors, allied health and the broader ward team. I also manage visitors, enquires, phone calls from families and various Barwon Health departments. Other daily tasks an include, filing and maintaining patient confidential records, ordering supplies through oracle and stores, maintenance requests, booking interpreters to name a few.

I have been on Patricia Heath Wing 7 for over 31 years, initially employed as a casual but soon after I was employed into a permanent position and have worked here ever since. Each day has its challenges and I’m still learning. I have seen many changes, such as when Geelong Hospital became Barwon Health, countless graduates coming through, interns becoming consultants but the best of all is the lifelong friends I have made along the journey. The staff on Patricia Heath Wing 7 are hardworking and it has been a joy to be a part of this team."

13/01/2026

🚨 Multiple bushfires continue to burn across Victoria, including fires in the Otway National Park that are not yet under control. While firefighters have slowed the spread, smoke is expected to be visible across the region in the coming days due to changes in wind direction.

People most at risk include:
Infants and young children, older people, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung conditions (including asthma).
🏠 Protect your health:
• Follow any emergency warnings related to fires near you
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when air quality is poor, if it is safe to do so
• Avoid outdoor physical activity in smoky conditions
• Use air conditioners on recirculate (or turn off if unavailable)
• Reduce indoor pollution (no smoking, candles or vacuuming)
• When smoke clears, ventilate your home.
❤️ If you have a heart or lung condition:
Take your regular medication, follow your treatment plan, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
☎️ Get help:
• Call NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024
• Call 000 immediately if breathing becomes difficult or chest tightness occurs
For more information:
• Better Health Channel: Smoke and your health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke
• Environment Protection Agency: Smoke and your health: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke-and-your-health
• Environment Protection Agency: Air quality forecasts and information: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality
• Visit VicEmergency for information on fires near you: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

10/01/2026

🚨 Bushfire smoke affecting Victoria 🚨

There are multiple bushfires burning across Victoria. Smoke and ash can travel long distances and affect air quality, even far from the fires.

People most at risk include:
Infants and young children, older people, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung conditions (including asthma).

🏠 Protect your health:
• Follow any emergency warnings related to fires near you
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when air quality is poor, if it is safe to do so
• Avoid outdoor physical activity in smoky conditions
• Use air conditioners on recirculate (or turn off if unavailable)
• Reduce indoor pollution (no smoking, candles or vacuuming)
• When smoke clears, ventilate your home.

❤️ If you have a heart or lung condition:
Take your regular medication, follow your treatment plan, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

☎️ Get help:
• Call NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024
• Call 000 immediately if breathing becomes difficult or chest tightness occurs

For more information:
• Better Health Channel: Smoke and your health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke
• Environment Protection Agency: Smoke and your health: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke-and-your-health
• Environment Protection Agency: Air quality forecasts and information: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality
• Visit VicEmergency for information on fires near you: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

09/01/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫
"My role as Talent Acquisition manager involves managing the Talent Acquisition team and providing guidance to the appropriate sourcing and recruitment of employees and talent management. This includes building and sustaining strategic relationships with internal stakeholders to improve recruitment strategies and innovate attraction strategies such as promoting the use of social media to expand Barwon Health's brand and reach. I also support hiring managers with the hiring process, ensuring a positive candidate experience and recruitment compliance.

After working in HR and recruitment for over 20 years, I was ready to take the next step. A fixed-term opportunity arose in the Talent Acquisition team to assist with international recruitment which I accepted. Within the span of three years I moved to a permanent role as a Talent Acquisition partner and then an opportunity to manage the team arose which I was fortunate to be appointed to.

I love working with the amazing team I am a part of and the wider Barwon Health community. Barwon Health's commitment to quality care and its values are why I have a real sense of pride in the work that I do and working in the public health sector gives me the feeling of making a positive difference to our community. I value knowing that my work contributes to the health and wellbeing of our region, while also feeling a strong sense of belonging and community, and appreciating the flexible and supportive approach to work-life balance."

09/01/2026

Each year, we're joined by hundreds of new nurses, midwives, allied health graduates, medical interns and mental health professionals starting careers in healthcare.

Yesterday, we welcomed some of this year's new starters at a joint graduate event, marking an important milestone as they transition from study to professional practice. The cohort heard from chief executive Frances Diver and members of the Executive team, who shared insights into the organisation, our values and the role each graduate plays in delivering the best care to our community.

The event provided graduates with an opportunity to mingle, make connections and build professional networks.

08/01/2026

⚠️ Heatwave & Fire Danger Alert ⚠️
Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are forecast from Thursday night through to the end of this week across Victoria.
🔥 Fire danger remains high, with:
• Extreme fire danger in the Central district
• Catastrophic fire danger forecast for the South West district
Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, particularly for older people, young children and those with chronic conditions. Please take extra care, stay cool and check in on others.
Stay informed by monitoring official sources:
👉 Bureau of Meteorology (heatwave & fire danger warnings): https://www.bom.gov.au/vic/
👉 VicEmergency (set up Watch Zones): https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
👉 ABC Local Radio: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/

07/01/2026

👋 Say hello to the newest doctors in Geelong.

This week, Barwon Health welcomed 45 new medical interns who have commenced a week of orientation ahead of their clinical rotations across our wards and specialist services.

Orientation week includes a range of clinical skills sessions and seminars and has been designed to help our interns feel welcomed, supported and connected as they transition into.

Of this year’s intake, 21 interns completed their medical degrees at Deakin University, and a further six are returning to Geelong after undertaking their studies elsewhere.

We wish our 2026 medical interns every success for the year ahead.

06/01/2026

⚠️ Health Alert: Heatwave & Fire Danger Warning – Wednesday 7 January 2026 ☀️🔥

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast low to severe heatwave conditions and high fire danger across Victoria from tomorrow, Wednesday 7 January through to Friday 9 January.

Extreme heat can have serious health impacts. Older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those working outdoors are most at risk.

Please check in on neighbours, family, friends and anyone who may need extra support.

How to stay safe in the heat:
• Drink plenty of water and carry a bottle with you
• Hot cars kill – never leave children, adults or pets in vehicles
• Keep cool: seek air-conditioned spaces, close blinds, use fans, take cool showers and wear light, loose clothing
• Plan ahead: avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
• Look after others – and don’t forget your pets

If you feel unwell, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or see your GP.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Stay informed via:
• VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

• Bureau of Meteorology warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/

• Heat Health Warnings: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/heat-health-warning

• Better Health Channel: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat

Please continue to follow official advice and share this information within your networks.

02/01/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫
"I am a clinical placement coordinator for nursing & midwifery and also the Aboriginal Cadetship Program manager. The clinical placement coordinator role requires oversight of all aspects of registered and enrolled nursing and midwifery student placements across the organisation. This includes scheduling placements, allocating facilitators, monitoring student progress and advising staff when supporting underperforming students. My role is supported by a team of nursing and midwifery clinical facilitators that support the students and the wards on a day-by-day basis.

In my role as the Aboriginal Cadetship Program manager, I support aboriginal nursing and midwifery students to undertake work experience (in addition to their clinical placements) at Barwon Health whilst completing their university studies. I can link my Cadetship role to my placement coordinator role to coordinate the cadets to complete their student placements at Barwon Health too.

Nursing and midwifery placements are generally between two and five weeks long. We can have up to 125 students across the organisation at any one time so there needs to be good processes in place to keep track and this is where my team are invaluable. I have always worked in roles supporting new learners and love seeing their successes. Seeing them progress their careers and become accomplished clinicians is why I have remained in this role for so long."

30/12/2025

Community Drug Safety SMS Alert Service

Barwon Health has established an SMS alert service to share crucial drug alerts issued by the Victorian Department of Health, and The Victorian Pill Testing Service.

This free service provides timely information about potentially dangerous substances circulating in Victoria.

Recent examples include warnings such as “High-dose M**A capsules and pills are circulating in Victoria” and “Heroin sold as co***ne and methamphetamine in Melbourne”.

This service may be useful for anyone concerned about community safety, whether for yourself, family members, friends, or those you support professionally.

To subscribe: Visit the Harm Reduction Services webpage and enter your mobile number under "Drug Alert Sign Up." Anonymous sign-up—no name required.

Click here to find out more : https://mhdas.barwonhealth.org.au/service/harm-reduction-services/

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

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