"Non private citizens"

Dear libratn78,

Thank you for providing this feedback. I can confirm that Kerang District Health is a public hospital. Community members that have private cover can also access services here. Our services are provided for our community to meet their needs to the very best of our ability. We work hard to ensure we are providing as many services as possible, close to home including visiting specialist services.

Our urgent care centre does have a fee if a doctor is called to come and see a patient. In most situations, a nurse is able to review and care for a patient in urgent care without a doctor being present. In the event that a visiting GP has to be called, they charge a $50 consultation fee. This is the same across most, if not all urgent care centres in small rural hospitals.

On top of this might be blood tests and radiology services fees but this is dependent on the situation. This is clearly outlined on our KDH website and on the window at the Acute Ward reception - https://www.kdh.org.au/departments-services/hospital-services/urgent-care-centre/

GPs in the community are ‘contracted’ to provide services to the hospital but are not ‘employed’ by the hospital. We have a different model to a larger facility such as SHDH or Bendigo Health. Most of the Kerang GPs provide an on-call service to Kerang District Health. After hours and at certain times on weekends, KDH uses virtual (telehealth) support such as My Emergency Doctor. We are very fortunate to have telehealth services such as this one.

In regards to hospital admissions, if you are a nominated public patient, you are not charged for your inpatient stay. People can elect to be treated as a private patient in KDH.

Kerang District Health are able to assess and refer to Bendigo Health Regional Mental Health Triage Services. People are also able to self-present. The number for this services is 1300 363 788. This service runs 24/7 and is telephone based - https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/mentalhealthTriageServices/

KDH does not provide inpatient services for people experiencing acute mental health conditions as this is a very specialised field of healthcare. If required, patients may be transferred to Bendigo Health for management.

Most persons experiencing mental health conditions are able to be managed in the community. KDH has access to community pathways for mental health services - https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/CommunityMentalHealthServices/

I am unsure what letter you have received from the hospital. I would be happy to discuss this with you if you would like to call 03 5450 9200 (hospital reception) and arrange a meeting with me.

I hope this has addressed some of your concerns.

Kind regards,

Kellie