Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Healthcare Partner in Bundaberg
Friendly Society Private Hospital, affectionately known as The Friendlies, has been dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to the Bundaberg and Wide Bay communities for over a century. Established in 1919, our not-for-profit ethos ensures that all profits are reinvested into advancing medical equipment, facilities, and patient care. With 142 beds and over 500 dedicated professionals, we offer a comprehensive range of services including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, and emergency care. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including Queenslands largest private Day Oncology Unit, reflect our commitment to innovation and excellence. Accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, we maintain rigorous compliance with national safety and quality benchmarks.Our team of specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals work collaboratively to ensure personalized, compassionate care tailored to individual needs. As a community-owned institution, we prioritize accessibility, offering services such as interpreter assistance and patient education. Our Emergency Department, open 7 days a week, provides specialist-led care with minimal wait times. The Friendlies Foundation supports our mission by funding critical upgrades and community health initiatives. For generations, we have upheld our promise to deliver friendly, world-class healthcare close to home.
Services
Emergency Department
Day Oncology Unit
Physiotherapy
Pharmacy
Cardiology
Orthopaedics
General Surgery
Medical Imaging
Occupational Therapy
Veterans Services
Details
- Year established: 1919
Highlights and features
- We offer specialist-led emergency care with minimal wait times.
- Our not-for-profit model reinvests all profits into community healthcare.
- We provide state-of-the-art facilities, including Queenslands largest private Day Oncology Unit.
- Our team includes over 500 experienced medical, nursing, and allied health professionals.
- We maintain rigorous accreditation standards for safety and quality assurance.
Associations and certifications
- Australian Council on Healthcare Standards
What people say
Friendly staff
Quick emergency care
Comfortable facilities
Expert specialists
Community focus
Services
Emergency Department
The Friendlies Emergency Department provides specialist-led emergency healthcare 7 days a week. Accredited to Level 4 standards, it offers rapid access to advanced diagnostics and treatment. Patients benefit from short wait times, follow-up calls, and seamless GP communication.
Day Oncology Unit
Queenslands largest private Day Oncology Unit delivers chemotherapy, haematology, and infusion therapies. Designed for comfort, it features private treatment spaces and video conferencing for specialist consultations. Services are managed by experienced oncology nurses.
Physiotherapy
Friendlies Physiotherapy Service addresses musculoskeletal, neurological, and chronic conditions. Treatments include posture correction, pain management, and mobility restoration. Outpatient appointments are available with Medicare or private insurance rebates.
Pharmacy
Located onsite, the Friendly Society Pharmacy dispenses prescriptions and offers health advice. Services include NDIS equipment supply, diabetes management, and veterans care. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm.
Cardiology
Comprehensive cardiac services include diagnostics, interventions, and post-operative care. The Cardiac Cath Lab supports advanced procedures. Patients receive personalized treatment plans from specialist cardiologists and dedicated nursing teams.
People
Barry Dangerfield
Board Chair
Barry Dangerfield leads the hospital board, advocating for community-driven healthcare. With decades of governance experience, he champions transparency and quality improvement. He has defended the hospitals accreditation standards publicly.
Michelle Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Thompson oversees hospital operations, emphasizing patient safety and innovation. She has managed reaccreditation successes and community engagement initiatives. Her leadership focuses on regional healthcare accessibility.
Sandy Blake
Director of Clinical Services
Sandy Blake supervises clinical quality and patient safety. She pioneered the nurse-led urology clinic and advocates for holistic care models. Her expertise ensures compliance with national healthcare standards.
Questions
What emergency services are available?
Our Emergency Department operates daily 8am-8pm with specialist-led care, minimal waits, and no appointment needed.
Are there weekend pharmacy hours?
Yes, the pharmacy is open Saturdays 9am-12pm but closed Sundays and public holidays.
How is The Friendlies funded?
As a not-for-profit, we reinvest all profits into healthcare improvements and receive no government funding.
What cancer treatments are offered?
The Day Oncology Unit provides chemotherapy, haematology, and infusion therapies in a patient-focused environment.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans are accepted, and we assist with claims and rebates where applicable.
How to request medical records?
Contact the Privacy Officer at 07 4331 1000 or submit a written request for health information access.
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