Bendigo Community Health Services’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub is a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
The hub has been recognised in the Excellence in Women’s Health category for its work to significantly increase access to time-critical women’s health care.
SRH Hub Clinical Lead Dr Karishma Kaur said women in central Victoria faced long wait times, fragmented care and poor access to timely pregnancy counselling and termination services—especially in rural areas where travel and system complexity created barriers.
“Many missed the window for early intervention and were forced to undergo surgical terminations far from home,” Dr Kaur said.
In response, SRH Hub Senior Leader Kathlyn Crisp said BCHS launched a nurse-led phone line and strengthened partnerships to provide rapid access to triage and coordinated care.
Leveraging existing staff, the initiative streamlined workflows and collaborated with stakeholders to enable same-day care.
“This has halved wait times and improved client experience—delivering a low-cost solution transforming reproductive healthcare across regional communities,” Kathlyn said.
The awards are a celebration of excellence in public healthcare and acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s healthcare professionals, volunteers, and public health services.
BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson said she was incredibly proud of the SRH Hub’s achievement, which was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of the entire team.
“We are constantly looking at how we can grow our services to respond to community need, and this initiative from the SRH Hub is the perfect example of how an agile community health service can use its expertise, partnerships and initiative to do just that,” Mandy said.
“I congratulate the team on their award nomination, as well as the other services listed in this award category.”
BCHS’ nomination is named alongside Maryborough District Health Service and Western Health for excellence in women’s health.
The award winners will be announced at the 19th Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night on Wednesday, November 26.
Discover our SRH Hub services.
