General News
26 May, 2024
Health merger hots up Regional boards wait on Minister's decision
Speculation is mounting that an announcement on the merger of the region's health services could be imminent.
Speculation is mounting that an announcement on the merger of the region's health services could be imminent.
Discussions have been ongoing at local level for months, and at a workshop in Warracknabeal in April, healthcare professionals, community leaders and policymakers teamed up to "examine the future of rural health".
Under the auspices of Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, West Wimmera Health Service, Rural Northwest Health and East Wimmera Health Service co-hosted the event.
WSMD chief executive officer Chris Sounness had earlier met with Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas, and the workshop was designed to provide additional feedback to the Minister and the independent Expert Advisory Committee that is reviewing the state’s health system.
That committee has now provided its report to the Department of Health for consideration.
Sources suggest the state will slash the existing number of health services from 76 to 12, with the process slated to begin as early as July 1.
And, while the final decision rests with the Minister, health services in the Wimmera are remaining coy.
A government spokesperson, however, pointed to "significant challenges" to health services in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
They also outlined "massive changes" in how healthcare is delivered while the existing health system structure has remained largely unchanged for more than 20 years.
"It is important we look at how the system is organised to ensure we are delivering the very best health care, closer to home for all Victorians wherever they live," the spokesperson told the Wimmera Mallee News.
"We have sought the invaluable insights of all of Victoria’s health services... looking at how public health services can better work together and best utilise resources.
“The independent committee provided its report to the Department of Health for consideration - we will await this advice before making any decisions."
We put a series of detailed questions to Grampians Health, Rural Northwest Health and West Wimmera Health Service.
Grampians Health referred us to the same answers provided by the government spokesperson.
Rural Northwest Health was more forthcoming, although board chairperson Genevieve O'Sullivan could not shed any more light on the merger details.
"At this point discussions of mergers are premature until the report from the EAC is released," Ms O'Sullivan said this week.
"Until the direction of the Minister is known, we are not in a position to comment.
"We know nothing beyond what has been shared with the community.
"RNH focus is supporting our staff to deliver the highest level of care to ensure the best health and wellbeing outcomes for our community."
The response from West Wimmera Health Service was more intriguing.
"We are expecting to issue a public statement later this week in relation to the matter you’ve raised," a spokesperson said.