Health

Ballarat's health and community services sector is rapidly growing. It is the region's second largest employer, with approximately 5,800 people employed in the field. Health and community services contribute $246 million in regional exports and $455 million in value add products and services.

The city's health facilities are comprehensive and service the entire region. Ballarat Health Services is the largest regional hospital in the Grampians region, and as such, is the principal referral hospital for the entire region, which extends from Bacchus Marsh to the south

Australian border, an area which spans 48,000 square kilometres. Situated adjacent to Ballarat Health Services is St John of God Hospital, both of these services have developed an effective collaborative alliance.

Ballarat Health Services

Ballarat Health Services has been providing health care for the Ballarat and Grampians region for over 150 years. Ballarat Health Services is a total health care provider, delivering a comprehensive range of general and specialist care, across every key medical and healthcare discipline.

The key services are based at two sites, the Base Hospital site and the Queen Elizabeth Centre site. Each is located close to the central Business District, with the remaining residential, day centres and community sites located throughout Ballarat.

A comprehensive range of generalist and specialist care services is delivered by Ballarat Health Services, across every key medical and healthcare discipline including:

• Acute care
• Sub acute care
• Residential care
• Community care
• Psychiatric services
• Rehabilitation services

St John of God Hospital

Established in 1915, St John of God Hospital is the largest private hospital in regional Victoria, and has 196 beds. There is an extensive range of services offered, which continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to deliver specialist and clinical excellence to both the local Ballarat community and the wider western Victoria region.

As a private hospital, St John of God Hospital differs, in that it owns and operates its own emergency department, licensed pharmacy, obstetric services, imaging department and linen service over and above the range of other services typically provided by private hospitals.

Having completed the development of a completely new hospital adjacent to the original hospital, St John of God Hospital offers all of the above services in a modern and purpose built facility.

eHealth

eHealth has been identified as a sub-sector of the health industry that has significant potential to grow the local economy. In 2009 Council completed an eHealth capability study to fully understand the strengths of the local eHealth sector. The study identified several key opportunities and activities that will assist in the continued development of this emerging sector.