A medical practitioner must provide a referral prior to admission, treatment or diagnostic services.
Thirty beds are available in the Acute Unit for the treatment of medical and surgical patients. Patients have their choice of doctor. Ensuite facilities are available in both single and shared rooms. Each bed has its own television. Remote controls are used to change channels. Daily newspapers, toiletries, confectionery and telephone cards can be purchased at the Hospital. Laundry and hair dressing services can be arranged on request.
Mt. Alexander Hospital has two fully equipped operating suites and a ten bed Day Procedures Unit.
There are a wide number of surgical procedures available through twenty visiting specialists including :
- General Surgery
- Dental
- Ear Nose and Throat
- Gynaecological
- Ophthalmological (Eye)
- Orthopaedic
- Plastic & Reconstructive
- Urological
If you need a surgical procedure please ask your general practitioner if it is available through Mt. Alexander Hospital. There is generally a lower waiting list and lower risk of infection than elsewhere.
Prior to leaving hospital, the Social Worker will assist you in accessing services or support to help you manage effectively at home. Such services or support include:
- Ongoing Outpatient Counselling
- District Nursing
- Meals on Wheels and Home Help Services
- Community Day Activity Groups
- Respite Care, and
- Other Allied Health Assessment
- Post Acute Care
VISITING MEDICAL OFFICERS & SPECIALISTS
Mt. Alexander Hospital’s Family Birthing Suite provides three modern birthing rooms with bright décor to minimise a clinical appearance.
Women giving birth have the security of knowing that the most modern equipment is at hand if required, however, the birth will remain a shared family event rather than a clinical procedure.
Two delivery suites have double beds. All rooms have a recliner chair, remote control television and ensuite shower and toilet facilities. There is also a full length bath in a separate room.
Expectant parents are encouraged to book in early by making an appointment with our Maternity Enhancement Coordinator on 5471 1471. She will provide further information on antenatal classes and a home visit service after the birth. Telephone advice on breast feeding and other maternity issues is available from the midwives on duty at the hospital at any time.
In a life-threatening situation you are advised to dial 000 for an ambulance.
Mt. Alexander Hospital does not have a resident medical officer. With the assistance of a voluntary roster of general practitioners, emergency care and medical assistance is provided when urgently required.
For urgent medical assistance when your usual medical clinic is closed, you may come to the Accident & Emergency entrance at Mt Alexander Hospital
OR
alternatively you can contact the Primary Care Clinic, 123 Arnold Street, Bendigo on Tel: (03) 5441 8622.
The Hospital employs a Pastoral Care Coordinator who visits twice weekly in an effort to provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and residents. Pastoral Care is non-religious, person-centred and non-directive. It is available to all patients, residents, their families and staff members.
Pastoral Care is inspired by a vision that views health and healing as flowing not only from the quality of medical attention provided, but also from the manner in which all staff attend to the totality of a person's experience of hospitalisation.
To this end, Pastoral Care is conducted to enhance the level of care and quality of life of all patients and residents, by assisting with the often difficult process of adjusting to and coping with hospitalisation and or Residential care.
This is achieved through:
The Pastoral Care Coordinator can be contacted via Reception or via Unit staff members. Individual counselling for patients and residents on any matter of concern is also available.
General Practices in the Mount Alexander Shire
Botanical Gardens Health, 137 Cornish Street Castlemaine, 54721844
Dr. C. Fowler, Chapel Street Maldon, 5475 2366
Lyttleton Street Clinic, 64 Lyttleton Street Castlemaine, 5472 3233
Mostyn Street Clinic, 11 Mostyn Street Castlemaine, 5472 1255
Dental Practices in the Mount Alexander Shire
Dr. J. R. Jefferies, 54a Hargraves Street, Castlemaine, 5472 3437
Sims Family Dental Care, 21 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine, 5472 1377