Health service reviews first six months

JUNE 2022 marked more than six months since Ballarat Health Services merged with three Western Victorian medical organisations to become Grampians Health.

The aim of the partnership has been to further improve the quality and accessibility of services, delivery of care, patient wellbeing, sustainability, and their economic impact in regional and rural areas.

As part of a review, Grampians Health released a report titled Six Months On that looks key achievements so far.

CEO Dale Fraser said the workforce is proving to be a strong and highly skilled team, that seeks to achieve the best outcomes for patients as pandemic challenges continue.

“We are pleased to share this report and reflect on the important steps we are already taking to provide the best possible care for the Grampians region and help our communities thrive,” he said.

“These are above and beyond the continual improvements being made each day, to meet the health needs of individuals and families in the region.

“Since coming together, our multi-campus organisation has worked hard to deliver rural and regional healthcare to the communities we serve.”

Locally, achievements listed in the report include the establishment of a more cohesive and supportive regional response to the COVID-19 crisis, with medical professionals from across Western Victoria stepping in to work where help was needed.

A regional obstetrician has been employed, paediatric physiotherapy services now reach as far as Horsham, community reference groups and an advisory committee have been established, and organisations have been liaising with fundraisers and donors to ensure money intended for local services stays within their communities.

When the partnership between BHS, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Stawell Regional Health, and Wimmera Health Care Group was first pitched, five key positives of the merger were outlined.

They included a boost to the health system’s effectiveness, local services and community access, strengthening each organisation, its capabilities, and the community’s trust with it, and increasing professional opportunities for staff.

“As one of the region’s largest employers, we will continue to invest in jobs, technology and infrastructure to provide better healthcare, enhance services and advance careers, closer to home,” Mr Fraser said.

New strategic and clinical services plans is also expected to be released next month.

“Grampians Health is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare, the bedrock of the community, while maintaining transparency and holding the service to account.

“In the past six months we have taken significant steps to establish frameworks that will hold ourselves accountable and communicate our progress to the community both now and into the future,” Mr Fraser said.