Arabic version: بنديجو هيلث تواجه استجابة طارئة مع تمديد انتظار المرضى

A regional Victorian mother reported that her toddler waited for almost seven hours for treatment at Bendigo Health’s emergency department, which has been under significant pressure due to an increase in patient numbers. According to ABC News, Rykie Yates described the situation at the hospital as “absolute bedlam” when she arrived with her 20-month-old daughter, Evangeline, who had sustained a head injury.

Yates recounted that the emergency room was overcrowded, with stretchers lining the corridors. She expressed distress over her daughter’s suffering during the long wait, stating that both of them ended up covered in blood. Despite the traumatic experience, Yates praised the hospital staff, acknowledging their efforts in such a challenging environment.

Bendigo Health has reported a surge in emergency department visits, admitting about a dozen more patients each day compared to the same time last year. In response to the increased demand, the hospital has activated a stand-by code yellow, indicating a state of internal emergency. This measure reflects the ongoing challenges in managing patient flow and bed availability within the facility.

The hospital’s chief medical officer, Rex Prabhu, noted that the current patient demographic includes more individuals requiring complex care and older patients who cannot be discharged due to a lack of available aged care placements. To alleviate the pressure, some patients have been transferred to nearby hospitals after treatment.

Bendigo Health has postponed a small number of planned surgeries to prioritize emergency procedures, although no category 1 surgeries have been cancelled. A government spokesperson acknowledged the frustrations associated with long wait times and suggested that patients consider alternative care options during the busy winter flu season.