As a member of the Australian Army Reserve and Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Peninsula Health Head of Palliative Care Lieutenant Colonel Dr Sandeep Bhagat is dedicated to serving both our local community and our nation.
As we paused to commemorate the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers who have fought for our freedoms overseas on Anzac Day, Dr Bhagat said he was honoured to continue the Anzac legend, of endurance, courage, and mateship.
“Serving Australia in a role that allows me to act as a custodian of the Anzac mateship spirit is an honour,” he said.
Dr Bhagat is a direct descendant of World War I and World War II veterans, and is proud to be following in their footsteps.
Having served four times on the Middle East battle front, Dr Bhagat’s role as a Medical Officer is to oversee the medical care of Australian Defence Force members during operations.
He has also assisted during humanitarian crises in Australia, providing health support during floods, fires, COVID-19 and other emergencies.
Dr Bhagat leads our Palliative Care Unit, where he cares for people with life-limiting illnesses at our Golf Links Road Rehabilitation Centre. His experience and skills mean he is devoted to providing patient-centred care.
“I ensure people receive the utmost dignity, comfort and care during their stay with us, it is at the heart of what we do,” he said.
Through his work at Peninsula Health’s Palliative Care Unit, Dr Bhagat is honoured to provide care to fellow Army veterans who have their own stories to tell. He is known to take his time with each patient to listen to their stories of service and share his own.
“My patients always light up when I say ‘thank you for your service’,” he said.
“It makes them feel valued and proud of their contribution.”
Dr Bhagat is proud to be a member of the Australian Army Reserves and the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, where he has worked with dedicated and hardworking members of the Australian Defence Force, who have put their own comforts behind to serve our nation.
He is among a small group of Peninsula Health staff who serve as in the Australian Defence Force, providing valuable support for our nation in times of need.