History

INCORPORATION

The Inglewood & Districts Health Service is a public hospital incorporated under section 65 of the Health Services Act 1988 and listed in Schedule 1 of the Health Services Act 1988. The health service was formed by the amalgamation of The Inglewood Hospital and the Inglewood and Districts Community Health Centre Inc on 1 January 1996.

The responsible Minister is the Honourable Bronwyn Pike, M.P.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Inglewood & Districts Health Service is situated in the Shire of Loddon, 47 kilometres from Bendigo, the catchment area is the southern half of the Shire of Loddon which has a population of approximately 5,500.

The Health Service is located in Inglewood, which was established around 1860 and is part of the Golden Triangle tourist region. Agriculture is the main economic activity in the area. The health service also provides community health services from a second site in Wedderburn. Other towns serviced by the Health Service include Bridgewater, Serpentine, Tarnagulla and Korong Vale.

The health service has seen many changes. The first hospital was established in Inglewood in 1863. This two storey building had new wings added in 1874, then in 1937 was remodelled to a single storey structure. In 1972 Nursing Home accommodation was added and in 1994 a Hostel.

Following amalgamation in 1996 Health Service was located on the hospital site. In 1998 a new administration area and front entrance were built. A new Nursing Home, and refurbished Acute Wards and Accident and Emergency department were completed in 2001. In addition a new Dr Surgery was built in Inglewood.

In 2005 the Wedderburn service relocated to the Wedderburn Community Centre a refurbished multipurpose site at the old Primary School. A wide range of services are provided in conjucntion with other co-located services

More than 10 years since amalgamation the health service continues to grow and change to meet community needs. In 2006 the previous Doctors Surgery was remodelled for use as a community health and wellbeing Centre, and the strength training exercise program located there.

Building upgrades provide modern functional facilities to accommodate this dynamic and progressive health service. This small rural health service offers a diverse range of services including acute care, residential aged care, district and community health nursing, welfare and social work services, youth support, mental health, alcohol & other drugs and community development workers, planned activity groups and social support.