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.
Castlemaine Health has one fully equipped operating suite and a ten bed Day Procedures Unit.
There are a wide number of surgical procedures available with over 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 Castlemaine Health. 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
Castlemaine Health’s Family Birthing Suite provides three modern birthing rooms with calming décor and experienced midwives and doctors to support families in having a natural, healthy birth.
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 of the birthing suites have double beds. All rooms have a breastfeeding 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.
Castlemaine Health 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 Castlemaine Health
OR
alternatively you can contact the Primary Care Clinic, 123 Arnold Street, Bendigo on Tel: (03) 5441 8622.
Pastoral Care Services are provided by our Pastoral Care Coordinator.
The service provides important assistance to our residents and clients who face unexpected life changes, such as admission to hospital during their times of need or the transition to residential care.
The model of support is conducted in a confidential and non-religious manner. It is person-centered and non-directive and is available to all patients, residents and their families. The service also provides invaluable education and support to our staff particularly the process of dealing with loss and grief.
Pastoral Care services are complemented by Visiting Ministers from various denominations who conduct weekly prayer services in the hospital chapel and at various residential care units for patients and residents. The Hospital appreciates the importance of spirituality in people's lives and every effort is made to attend to the specific spiritual requirements of all our patients and residents.
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