Health services look at merger

THE boards of Ballarat Health Services and Wimmera Health Care Group have announced they are looking at amalgamating.

The move comes after they both began work in August to look at how the two health services could better partner up.

That investigation, conducted by consultancy Cube Group, has now led to the announcement of further work and a three-month public feedback process on the proposal.

BHS board chair Natalie Reiter said the merger could improve both health services.

“Our services have already been working very closely together in planning and responding to COVID-19 over recent months through Intensive Care Unit collaboration, aged care collaboration and public health testing,” she said.

“Other successful partnership outcomes to date include expanded oncology services and strong IT systems and support.”

Marie Aitken, board chair of the Wimmera Health Care Group echoed those sentiments and added that there several areas where the two services could further streamline processes.

“The Boards recognise substantial opportunities for enhanced clinical governance, regulatory compliance, aged care compliance and accreditation, financial capability and clinical service delivery through exploring partnership opportunities,” she said.

“Community consultation will begin on November 2… and continue until mid-February 2021. The community is invited to participate in a range of consultation activities including filling in a survey or feedback form, making a submission or attending a consultation session/workshop.”

Ms Reiter also called on people to take part during the feedback period.

“Community engagement is an important part of the process and there will also be a due diligence assessment in relation to workforce, financial, service delivery and governance impacts of any partnership,” she said.

To be involved visit surveymonkey.com/r/WHCGandBHSPartnership, the online survey is open until 11 December.

You can also fill in a feedback form via the BHS website, bhs.org.au, by phoning 5381 9293, writing to 3 Baillie Street, Horsham, 3400, or emailing [email protected].

During January and February the health services are set to hold consultation sessions. You can register for them by contacting the above email address.

A joint statement from both boards said, “We will keep communities informed through our website, social media, media, meetings/sessions and letters as we work through this process.”