General News
27 August, 2024
Region's providers now must wait for briefings
Two of the region's health providers - Grampians Health and Rural Northwest Health - issued identical statements in responses to the plans, saying they welcomed the government's announcement.
"We’ll continue working closely with the Department of Health to finalise our budget," they both said.
"The Health Services Plan is an important piece of reform work, and we thank the Expert Advisory Committee for their work in developing it.
"We’ll take the time to read the report in full and will be seeking further briefings from the Department before deciding on any next steps."
West Wimmera Health Service, which had roundly condemned speculation of a merger, was more forthcoming.
"We are gratified to see that there will be no forced amalgamations," CEO Ritchie Dodds told Wimmera Mallee News.
"We are not against amalgamations in principle and if direct and worthwhile community benefit can be shown.
"Indeed, West Wimmera Health Service itself is a product of multiple amalgamations over the past three decades.
"The possibility that we could have been subsumed into a very large region-wide entity was not our preferred outcome and so we are glad it has been taken off the table."
Mr Dodds said he did not anticipate any immediate impact from the plan.
"A fair portion of it relates to work already underway across our region in one form or another so over time we expect greater integration of systems and a better connected health system as this work progresses," he said.
"That will mean a more efficient and better healthcare experience for the people we serve.
"We strive to positively collaborate with other healthcare related entities in our region and beyond, and there will be no change in that regard."
He also paid tribute to his staff.
"With workforce shortages and financial constraints, it’s probably the most challenging environment we’ve faced perhaps aside from Covid.
"But our staff keep presenting with a smile for the people we serve, and each other, and I for one feel privileged to play a role in the ongoing success of West Wimmera Health Service."
The peak body representing public and community health services across Victoria also offered a cautious welcome.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of the past few months,” Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive Leigh Clarke said.
“The government has listened to the VHA’s concerns, and the concerns of the sector, but there is more to unpack in the days ahead.”