Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital 300 Waterdale Road, Ivanhoe, Victoria 3079

"I have just bought my mum back from this hospital, and both of us cannot get over how lovely every single staff member, every nurse, and every doctor that we encountered was. Mum got fantastic care in every sense of the word."

"They performed an optional add-on procedure to my surgery without my consent. Told me I'd have a chance to chat to the surgeon prior to going into theatre, which didn't happen til I was on the table getting prepped for anaesthetic, and only because I insisted on bringing it up. The whole thing felt rushed, I was the first patient of the day and it was like they just wanted to get things rolling. The follow up appointment to discuss results was handed to me whilst recovering from anaesthetic and no option to change it, even though I said I wasn't available. The rebooking website is an automated joke that just re-books a mystery date several weeks into the future without an option to select anything that suits, so you just have to cancel again and again and get another lucky-dip date emailed to you the following day. The phone line alternative has a 1.5hr wait time every day, which isn't feasible for anyone to access while working full time. A two week follow up has pushed out to two months. The prep guide leading up to the surgery was really lacking as well, and I found out later that someone was supposed to talk me through it in detail, which they didn't, they just emailed me the document. I compared it with a guide from another hospital and it was much more informative. The whole experience has been really poor, I don't even know what happened on the table other than they didn't find anything bad, just sent home with an appointment that I couldn't attend, a sorry we can't change it now it's already in the system, and a phone number to try and re-book. I've put all this in their post op feedback survey but haven't had anyone get in touch."

"Pretty switched on, but didn't send me or my GP a 'report' either way leaves Box Hill wanting"

"GET TESTED, GET VACCINATED ASAP!!!! This is a VERY long review, with a lot of detail for people who are concerned about what happens when you line up for your COVID Vaccine shot. I visited here for my first Covid Vaccine shot. Surrounding streets are time limited and paid parking ONLY! I was pleasantly surprised that there is actually parking available ONSITE, for at least 100-150 cars, at no charge and unlimited time, which is extremely unusual for a hospital. Only confusion was that entry to the Austin Repat was for COVID testing AND COVID Vaccine at the same entrance and the entrance is off a very busy road so it was hard to read the explanatory signs as you drive past. Single entrance queue inside splits in 2, turn one way for COVID testing, turn another for COVID vaccine. Once you are in, signs are clear and easy to read and there are frequent staff who direct you and can answer questions. During my visit I interacted with at least 20 different people. Kudos to staff!!! Every person was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Once I drove through to the vaccination area at the back of the hospital, there were plenty of car parking spots on a weekday afternoon. A friendly young man directed me on which way to walk, about 200metres and assistance was available for people with limited mobility. Lots of big, bright, flourescent pink signs directing which way to go. There were at least 100 or more people ahead of me, and the queue moved slowly. Bring a folding chair! Staff were available for questions and despite the tension and impatience were unfailingly friendly, professional and smiling. If anyone needed assistance, water, chair, toilet etc, they were quick to help. Waiting area queue was under cover. You need to have you Medicare card, photo ID, (Passport, Drivers licence etc.). Your details are taken and confirmed MULTIPLE times, so have your IDs available. After inoculation, in a private booth, which took around 10 minutes to answer interview questions, ID, (again!), the actual injection (in your UPPER SHOULDER), and post injection information, you go to a waiting area where you sit and wait for 15 minutes to monitor for adverse reactions. After you are OK'd to go, I recommend staying and making a booking for your 2nd jab in 12 weeks. I had to wait for another 15 minutes in another queue inside, or you can do it online. This way I had a definite confirmed booking at MY preferred date that I could discuss with the person in front of me. People who I was waiting with who had "pre-booked" via a phone booking, (the ONLY way a booking can be made) said they spent several days glued to their phones, trying to get through and then about 45 minutes to an hour waiting to get in. I'm guessing IF you have a prebooking, you'll be in and out in 1.5 to 2 hours, plus the time wasted on the phone trying to book, which seemed to be at least 5- 8 hours or more. I TRIED to pre-book, and after 2 hours decided to just roll up and see how it went as I had an afternoon free. Overall, apart from the time used up, in my case, about 4 hours from drive in to drive out, the overall experience was positive and (relatively) painless. PLEASE GET VACCINATED ASAP AND GET TESTED IF REQUIRED! It's the only way we can get through to the other side of this pandemic and get back to a relatively normal life again!"

"The plaque said " the 115 Australian General Hospital was opened 13 March 1941 and handed over from the Army to the Repatriation Commission on 19 May 1947. This Memorial Wall was unveiled on 19 May 1997 the 50TH anniversary on the Repatriation Campus of the Austin & repatriation medical centre. With care and compassion we remember those who served our country. Lest we forget" A peaceful Remembrance Garden is situated right at the heart of today Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Victoria. It has been almost 40 years since the very first brick was laid for the garden. For those who are interested in modern Australian history or people whose their life is relevant to this part of story, this place is very special. I'm against all wars 'cause the sorrows live for many generations...However, the way a government sincere honours all the lost lives & respects those connected people...that counts! I enjoyed a short chat with a nice gentlement, his name is Robert W."