Community and social outreach

As a not-for-profit hospital, we reinvest our profits into three core areas of support:

• new hospital services and technologies
• social outreach activities within our community
• international health.

Raphael Services

Berwick Raphael Services is our flagship community outreach service, funded by the hospital. 

We offer specialist perinatal mental health support to families in Casey and Cardinia – the only service of its kind in Melbourne's south-east corridor.

Raphael Services provides:

• individual and group therapy programs to promote recovery from antenatal and postnatal mood disorders to help prevent long term difficulties
• early detection, intervention and support for families at their most vulnerable
• information and education for new parents.

Parents may access the service during pregnancy or in the two years following the birth of their baby.

Families can self-refer or seek a referral from a GP or Specialist.

Day Oncology and Infusion Centre

Our 12 chair Day Oncology and Infusion Centre opened in April 2015 to meet the growing demand for cancer services. With 1500 people diagnosed each year in Casey and Cardinia, the centre provides much-needed support and treatment. 

We thank those who provide generous financial support, which helps us continue to develop this service.

Community Wig Service

An innovative community wig service launched early in 2016. Thanks to the funds donated by our community, we loan a wig to people with cancer-related hair loss.

Our dedicated team of volunteers helps this service to continue to grow and thrive.

Vietnam Smiles International Health Program

Our international health program in Vietnam was established in 2009.

Its core focus is to improve the health and wellbeing of two villages in the remote northern highlands of Vietnam – an area with limited access to health services.

Since 2009, the hospital has sent a team of nurses on three separate health missions. The program is designed and led by our nurses in partnership with local clinical staff, the village schools and other officials to make sure it meets the health needs of the community.

Our nurses use their annual leave to visit the region and engage in fundraising to help support the health program.

In 2014, the program was delivered in partnership with the Berwick and Casey Rotary Clubs and St Margaret's Berwick Grammar School, the program’s major sponsors.