The South East Regional Hospital has proven a game-changer for some rural communities. Photo: SNSWLHD.
The South East Regional Hospital in Bega is preparing to celebrate 10 years of service, marking a decade of growth, innovation and improved access to rural health services.
Since opening in 2016, the hospital has delivered 2500 babies, seen 200,000 emergency department attendances, performed 16,000 planned surgeries – and served about 700,000 cups of coffee at the hospital cafe.
It has become a cornerstone in the delivery of health care to rural communities covering the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Snowy Monaro and parts of East Gippsland, which previously had to leave the area for medical services.
The site, which was once a dairy farm, has been developed into a modern hospital delivering high-quality health care including emergency and intensive care, surgical and medical services, maternity, paediatrics, mental health, oncology, renal dialysis, dental services and allied health.
The service also provides care beyond the hospital’s walls including community health and Hospital in the Home.
As the hospital celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is also planning for the future. Southern NSW Local Health District is developing the Bega Valley Clinical Services Plan, which will guide the delivery of local health services over the next five to 10 years.
The hospital is also installing a new CT scanner, replacing the machine commissioned when the facility opened in 2016. The upgraded scanner will provide patients and clinicians with advanced diagnostic tools across a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions.
Past and present staff and volunteers, as well as the wider community will celebrate the hospital’s 10th birthday on Wednesday 30 September.
A permanent display of historic photos, acknowledging all three of Bega’s hospitals over the town’s history, will also be unveiled on the ground floor as part of the celebration.
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said South East Regional Hospital had become an essential part of the health care system for people across the Bega Valley and surrounding communities.
“And its role will become even more important as our coastal health network continues to grow,” Dr Holland said.
“With the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital set to open in 2027, South East Regional Hospital forms an important link in a stronger, more connected coastal network, helping ensure people across the South Coast can access high-quality health care closer to home.
“Over the past decade, we have seen South East Regional Hospital grow into a major regional health service, providing care closer to home for thousands of families and supporting patients across a broad range of services.
“As we look to the next 10 years, the new CT scanner and the work underway to plan future clinical services are important investments in ensuring the hospital continues to evolve with the needs of our growing communities.
“This anniversary is ultimately about the people – the staff, volunteers, patients and families who have been part of South East Regional Hospital’s story over the past decade. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise what has been achieved and look forward to what comes next.”
Chief Executive, SNSWLHD, Margaret Bennett said it was important to acknowledge where the hospital had come from, but “as we do that, to also take that history and any learnings into the future”.
“Efforts will continue to grow and strengthen our local workforce, building on a ‘grow your own’ approach that South East Regional Hospital has pioneered through successful programs targeting junior medical officers and senior resident medical officers, as well as partnerships with universities, TAFE, and local high schools,” she said.
“Reflecting the community’s value for the natural environment, we are also progressing initiatives to reduce the facility’s environmental footprint, including new solar panels, access to electric vehicles, food waste reduction, and improved recycling.”
Past and present staff and volunteers, as well as the wider community, are invited to a light lunch to mark the hospital’s 10th birthday at 12:30 pm, Wednesday 30 September, on the ground floor of South East Regional Hospital, Virginia Drive, Bega.
Original Article published on About Regional.
