Benjamin Millar
A permanent merger of the western suburbs’ two health services has been given the green light by both the Western Health Board and Djerriwarrh Health Services administrator.
The approval follows a report on the proposed voluntary amalgamation of Western Health and Djerriwarrh Health Services that recommended proceeding with a voluntary amalgamation based on “clear community benefits” from such a move, especially in light if the state government decision to hand operation of a new Melton Hospital to Western Health.
The recommendation for amalgamation has been sent to the Secretary of the Department of Health for consideration, paving the way for the merged entity to be responsible for almost one million people living in the fast-growing corridor.
Western Health and Djerriwarrh Health Services currently service the healthcare needs of 985,000 people from Footscray and Williamstown to Bacchus Marsh, employing more than 7600 workers across 13 sites.
Talks about a potential merger began early last year but stalled during the COVID-19 crisis.
A joint statement released by the services stated that the immediate priority remains certainty and confidence for staff and communities.
“While the department make its reviews, both health services have prepared the way for a
joint transition team to be put in place to drive change in the event the Minister for Health approves the voluntary amalgamation,” it stated.
The statement promised that Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital will continue to operate as a community-based hospital, Grant Lodge residential aged care at Bacchus Marsh will be retained and that there will be no reductions in overall health staffing numbers, and no losses to frontline clinical staff as a consequence of amalgamation.
“There will be ongoing community participation and engagement with local service planning, clients and patients will continue to have choice as to where they access care.”
