Health service merger okayed

THE State Government has given the thumbs up to a merger of regional health services.

Described as a “voluntary amalgamation”, as of 1 November Grampians Health took in areas that used to be covered by Ballarat Health Services, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Stawell Regional Health, and Wimmera Health Care Group.

Minister for Health Martin Foley said the merger would benefit people across the region.

“The creation of Grampians Health will provide a strong, integrated health service to benefit the health and wellbeing of the local community,” he said.

“The community were involved every step of the way, everyone involved can be proud of what Grampians Health brings for the future.”

The newly created health service will be led by Ballarat CEO Dale Fraser for the first six months and will be assisted by the heads of the other three services.

Mr Fraser said initially there wouldn’t be a lot of noticeable difference while the transition got underway.

“With the support of a dedicated project team with experts from across the four health services, we will continue talking to staff, volunteers, patients and residents to understand local needs, while continuing high quality care,” he said.

“This means on day one there will be no significant changes to how each local service is run day-to-day, but over the coming months and into 2022 we will work together to develop a clinical services plan that will address the unique needs of each community.”

As part of the creation of Grampians Health a new board is being set up.

Made up of nine directors and a head, the group will be led by Warrnambool resident and chair of South West Healthcare Bill Brown.

“I’m a proud rural Victorian and it’s clear to me that we need change to deliver the safe, quality healthcare rural communities deserve,” he said.

“That’s why Grampians Health is so exciting, as it has the scale, breadth and focus to advance community health and wellbeing for the long term.

“The immediate focus will be to ensure high quality care in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support our dedicated staff.

“We will also follow through on the clear commitments that have been made to staff and residents in Edenhope, Stawell, Horsham and Dimboola, and Ballarat.”

Those commitments include no loss of services for patients in existing service areas and no reduction in staffing levels with employees retaining their current arrangements.

Fundraising activities will also continue to benefit the region where the money was raised.