Emergency Department System

Wimmera Health Care Group does not offer an outpatient service, but it does have an Accident and Emergency Department.

The Emergency Department is designed and staffed to treat medical emergencies. Unfortunately some people attending the department may experience lengthy delays before they are seen by a doctor due to their case not being classified as an emergency. Non-emergency cases presenting to the department can also cause delays for people who are in need of more immediate medical attention.

The department triages, or categorises, patients who present to the department and people are seen based on their traige status. If your case is not an emergency then Wimmera Health Care Group asks you to consider seeing your own doctor, instead of attending the Emergency Department.

Below is an image which depicts the triage categories.

Patient Information Directory

Our Patient Information Directory provides an A-Z of hospital information. It is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions patients and their families may have during their stay at Wimmera Health Care Group. A copy of this directory is available in each bedside locker at the Horsham campus.

Consumer Feedback - Compliments, Suggestions and Complaints

Wimmera Health Care Group welcomes all forms of feedback as it helps us identify where we need to improve and identify what is working well. If you have a complaint or concern about your care and treatment at Wimmera Health Care Group, please take the following steps:

Discuss your issue with a staff member working in the area and suggest any immediate action you would like to see happen.

If the discussion does not alleviate your concern, please request that the matter be referred to a more senior staff member.

If you do not wish to approach staff directly, please contact the Consumer Advocate during business hours on (03) 5381 9331, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or complete a Consumer Feedback Form ("Have your say"!) and place in one of the feedback boxes located in each area of our organisation.

The Consumer Advocate will make sure that your comment or complaint is promptly directed to the right person and that you are kept informed about its progress.

Patient Pathways

Patient pathways provide an outline of the plan of care you may receive during your hospital stay for a particular condition or surgery. This may assist in your preparation and understanding of your condition and care before and during the course of your hospital stay.

N.B. Patient pathways are intended as a guide only. As each patient is an individual and responds differently, the care plan may alter. If you have any questions, please discuss with your doctor or nurse.

• Abdomino-Perineal Resection of the Rectum
• Acquired Pneumonia
• Appendicectomy
• Asthma Emergency Plan Brochure
• Bowel Surgery
• Caesarean Birth
• Fracture Neck of Femur (Mobile)
• Gynaecology Surgery
• Haemorrhoidectmoy
• Inguinal Hernia Repair
• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
• Large Bowel Resection with Stoma
• Large Bowel Surgery
• Mastectomy
• Mild Head Injury for Kids
• Mild Head Injury or Concussion
• Pneumonia Page 1
• Pneumonia Page 2
• Stroke
• Thyroidectomy
• Tonsillectomy Adult
• Tonsillectomy Paediatric
• Total Hip Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• TURP - Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
• Umbilical Hernia Repair
• Vaginal Birth
• Varicose Veins Surgery

Private Patients

Even though Wimmera Health Care Group is a public hospital, you can elect to be treated as a private patient. As a private patient, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing you, your child or family member will receive the highest standard of medical services along with the special privileges of private care such as:

• Choice of doctor (provided they have practice rights at Wimmera Health Care Group)
• Preferential access to a single room
• No out of pocket expenses (excluding dental and cataract surgery)
• Health fund gap or excess paid by Wimmera Health Care Group (excluding dental and cataract surgery)
• A la carte menu and beverage selection
• Free television and internet use
• Free telephone use
• Daily newspaper
• Welcome pack and free voucher at the Hospital Coffee Shop
• Use of hotel-style bath sheet and robe
• Personal assistance from our Private Patient Liaison Officer

By using your private health insurance, you are helping Wimmera Health Care Group to maintain facilities and provide more equipment and services. You will not be out of pocket and Wimmera Health Care Group will benefit from your decision.

• Private Patient Brochure