More than 200 people took the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Phillip Island Community Hospital in Cowes during the Community Tour Day on Saturday 13 December.
Tour participants visited the new Operating Theatres, Central Sterile Supply Department, Chemotherapy/Dialysis and Radiology areas. They were impressed by the cutting-edge technology and spaces that will enable more care to be delivered to Phillip Island residents and visitors, closer to their homes.
Visitors also learnt about the expanded Urgent Care Centre and Pathology spaces that are further enhancing the level of care available from the new Community Hospital. The Urgent Care Centre provides treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, 24/7.
Urgent Care Centre, Radiology and Pathology are already providing care to the public, while the Chemotherapy/Dialysis area and Operating Theatres are due to open in 2026, along with a dental service that will operate from the former Urgent Care Centre that is part of the original Health Hub.
Many community groups and supporters took part in the tours, as well as the general public. The small, personal tours were led by BCH staff, who updated the community about the range of services currently available and services that will be offered in the future.
Members of the Phillip Island Health Auxiliary briefed tour participants about the Auxiliary’s fundraising and social activities.
BCH Interim CEO Simone Alexander said BCH staff were excited to open the doors to the Phillip Island Community Hospital to the public to discover.
“The Phillip Island Community Hospital will bring a new level of healthcare to Phillip Island residents and visitors,” she said.
“We’ll be able to offer low-complexity day surgery, and be able to provide Island residents and visitors with dialysis and chemotherapy services locally.
“This will save them the need to travel to Wonthaggi Hospital or other hospitals for treatment at a time when they are already unwell.”
To stay up-to-date with developments around the Phillip Island Community Hospital, go to: https://www.basscoasthealth.org.au/pich
Members of Freemasons, Phillip Island Health Hub Auxiliary and Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo appreciated the Rotary Rehabilitation Courtyard during the Community Tour Day. From left, Lyn Wadeson of the Auxiliary, Katie Chandler of BCH, Amanda Drennan of the Auxiliary, Steve Fuery of BCH, Ian Samuels of Freemasons, Kelly Ambler of BCH, Adrian Mitchell of Freemasons, John Lovell of Rotary, Kerryn Griffiths of BCH and Bruce Proctor of Freemasons.
BCH Executive Director Kirsten Weinzierl discusses the sterilisation of surgical instruments in the Central Sterile Supply Department.
Theatre Registered Nurse Alyssa Hughes and Scrub Scout Bec Toronyi inform a tour group of the state-of-the-art technology in the two operating theatres.
BCH Operations Director Katie Chandler leads a tour group through the recovery area, part of the surgical suite at the Phillip Island Community Hospital.