Statewide hospital networks announced

ON Friday, January 10, the Victorian Government announced the creation of local health service networks.

This new model of healthcare delivery emphasises the continuation of local leadership and governance while aiming to strengthen health services across Victoria, particularly in rural and regional areas.

These networks are grouped together by geographic regions and will support improved cooperation between local services, ensure doctors and specialists are available to care for patients closer to where they live, deliver clearer pathways in and out of hospital, and support better waitlist management across a region.

The final groupings were determined following extensive consultation with health services, with consideration given to population growth, community need, clinical capability and distance between services.

Yea and District Memorial Hospital (YDMH) has been included in a network alongside Alexandra District Health (ADH), St. Vincent’s Hospital and Eastern Health, which operates Box Hill, Maroondah, Healesville and Angliss Hospitals. This consortium will be called the East Metro and Murrindindi Healthcare Network.

It is distinct from the Murrindindi Health Network, which includes Murrindindi Shire Council, and aged care and disability organisations in the shire, in addition to our hospitals.

This grouping reflects the existing relationships between services and patient flow for the greater part of the Murrindindi community.

It also reflects preferred transport arrangements provided by Ambulance Victoria.

For some communities within Murrindindi, such as Flowerdale and Kinglake, Northern Health will remain the closest referral centre. The establishment of networks is expected to respect such arrangements.