Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Medical Care Partner in Bundaberg
Friendly Society Private Hospital, affectionately known as The Friendlies, has been dedicated to providing quality healthcare to the Bundaberg and Wide Bay communities for over seven decades. Established in 1947, our not-for-profit ethos has allowed us to invest in cutting-edge medical equipment and a team of over 500 professionals committed to patient care. We offer a comprehensive range of clinical services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopaedics, combining advanced technology with compassionate treatment.Our recent reaccreditation by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards underscores our adherence to national safety and quality benchmarks. We prioritise patient rights, accessibility, and community engagement through initiatives like The Friendlies Foundation, which supports healthcare expansion and equipment upgrades.
Services
Emergency Department
Day Oncology Unit
Pharmacy Services
Physiotherapy
Veterans Care
Cardiac Services
Medical Imaging
Orthopaedics
Pathology
Urology
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- We offer 75 years of dedicated healthcare experience in the Bundaberg region.
- Our team includes over 500 medical, nursing, and allied health professionals.
- We maintain state-of-the-art facilities with five advanced operating theatres.
- Our emergency department operates daily with specialist-led care.
- We reinvest surpluses into community healthcare through our not-for-profit model.
Associations and certifications
- Australian Council on Healthcare Standards
What people say
Friendly staff
Modern equipment
Specialist-led care
Prompt treatment
Comfortable environment
Services
Emergency Department
Our Specialist-led Emergency Department provides urgent care seven days a week. Accredited to Level 4 standards, we utilise advanced technology and trained professionals for adult and paediatric emergencies. Patients receive follow-up calls and GP discharge letters for continuity of care.
Day Oncology Unit
This dedicated unit offers chemotherapy, haematology, and infusion therapies in a comfortable environment. Featuring private treatment spaces and specialist consultation areas, it serves as Queensland's largest regional private oncology facility, prioritising patient privacy and holistic support.
Physiotherapy Services
Our qualified physiotherapists and occupational therapists assist inpatient and outpatient recovery. Services include musculoskeletal treatment, mobility aids advice, and community education programs addressing back pain, posture, and injury prevention across all age groups.
Veterans Services
As a Department of Veterans' Affairs contracted provider, we offer priority surgical and medical treatment for gold cardholders. Services include dedicated liaison support, eligibility verification, and a commemorative remembrance hallway honouring veterans' contributions.
Medical Imaging
Our advanced imaging suite supports accurate diagnosis through CT scans, X-rays, and specialist-led cardiac investigations. The Cath Lab enables immediate intervention for heart conditions, integrating with broader surgical and critical care services.
People
Barry Dangerfield
Board Chair
Leading hospital governance, Barry Dangerfield champions accreditation excellence and community healthcare investment. With decades in regional health administration, he ensures compliance with national safety standards while advocating for patient-centric policies.
Michelle Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Thompson drives strategic hospital operations, focusing on service expansion and quality assurance. Her leadership maintains The Friendlies' reputation as Queensland's premier regional private hospital through continuous facility upgrades and staff development.
Sandy Blake
Director of Clinical Services
Sandy Blake oversees clinical governance and patient safety, implementing innovative care models like the nurse-led urology clinic. With extensive nursing experience, she ensures multidisciplinary teamwork across medical, surgical, and allied health departments.
Annette Marano
Veteran Liaison Officer
Annette Marano coordinates DVA services, assisting veterans with treatment access and eligibility. Her role bridges clinical care and veteran community needs, maintaining The Friendlies' 75-year commitment to ex-service personnel and families.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
Our Specialist-led Emergency Department operates daily 8am-8pm, providing Level 4 accredited care with advanced diagnostics and paediatric capabilities.
How much does emergency treatment cost?
Medicare cardholders pay $210 (child) or $250 (adult). DVA gold members and approved WorkCover patients receive free care.
Are you accredited?
Yes, we hold three-year reaccreditation from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, meeting all national safety and quality benchmarks.
What cancer treatment options exist?
The Day Oncology Unit provides chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and haematology services in private treatment bays with family consultation spaces.
Do you support veterans?
As a DVA-contracted hospital, we offer priority surgical care for gold cardholders and dedicated veteran liaison services.
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