Hospitals propose regional partnership

BALLARAT Health Services has partnered with three western Victorian hospitals in the hope of improving community health treatment.

The boards of BHS, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Stawell Regional Health and Wimmera Health Care Group have proposed to the Department of Health that they formally unite under one new health service banner.

“A combined health service would have the scale to shape a better health system for all parts of the Wimmera and Grampians region,” a spokesperson said.

“All services will continue to deliver health care to their communities. The proposal would enable the provision of safe, connected and people-centred healthcare, closer to home.

“There will be significant opportunities for sharing resources and working together, creating career pathways while…reducing the need for patients to travel.”

In writing the proposal, BHS chair Natalie Reiter said the boards have been reminded of “great things” within their organisations.

“We have highly skilled and dedicated staff that provide leading healthcare to tens of thousands of patients every year,” she said.

“We have great connections and partnerships…a proud legacy of care and innovation, and trusted relationships with patients, families, carers, volunteers and other health services in the region.”

Under the partnership, the hospitals will remain committed to public healthcare, keeping their original names.

Patients in Ballarat, Edenhope, Stawell, Horsham and Dimboola will still receive treatment at their local hospital or health services centre, and no services or jobs will be lost.

A new board will be formed, and funds raised by the community will remain with the organisation they were raised for.

The four hospitals are currently completing a staff engagement process to gain feedback, having consulted with communities. This information will inform plans for the future and strategic services.