Happy in Hume: Northeast Health Wangaratta welcome health network

THE State Government’s overhaul of Victoria’s health system has been confirmed to take effect this year, with Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) welcoming the change. Final groupings of the 12 Local Health Service Networks were announced on Friday after extensive consultation was made with health services after its initial proposition in May 2024. The Hume health network will contain health services in Wangaratta, Alpine, Indigo and Moira shires, with Albury-Wodonga and Goulburn Valley hospitals to “continue as the providers of the most complex care in this network". Seymour, Alexandra and Yea hospitals initially included in the Hume network were moved out in the final groupings, making Mansfield the region’s southernmost service. The networks are grouped together by geographical regions and intend to support improved co-operation between local services. A Northeast Health Wangaratta spokesperson said the service welcomed the announcement. “Local Health Service Networks present further opportunities to build upon existing partnerships between Hume health services to strengthen access to care for regional and rural communities,” they said. The health service reform will come into effect from July 1 this year, with services in each of the networks to discuss network governance and consider network priorities. before its commencement. NHW board chair Alison Maclean said board chair’s and CEOs of health services within the new Hume network were preparing to participate in workshops from early February. “Plans are being put in place to consult with staff, patients and communities,” she said. NHW CEO Libby Fifis said the hospital remained focused on delivering the best possible healthcare and experience for local patients. “We’re looking forward to the positive benefits that the networks will have for communities across the Hume region,” she said. The State Government's Health Services Plan was developed as a result of a 10-month review into the state’s health system and found it was "no longer fit for purpose" and exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee laid out 27 recommendations to overhaul the state’s health service, with the forced amalgamation of health services the only recommendation not accepted by the State Government. Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said only bigger regional centres would benefit through the new networks at the expense of smaller hospitals and health care centres through “disguised mergers”. “Local communities deserve local healthcare, and by packaging services up in only the major hospitals, Labor is forcing unwell locals to travel even further for major medical services and procedures,” he said. “Labor nearly bankrupted the healthcare system and are trying to cover it up - it's clear that they cannot manage our hospitals, and regional Victorians are paying the price.” State Government Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said these reforms will deliver even better care by supporting health services to work together and ensuring local voices are heard. “These networks will mean stronger referral pathways between health services – freeing up beds in busier hospitals, taking pressure off our dedicated workforce, and ensuring Victorians get care sooner, closer to home,” she said. “At the centre of our health system reform is Victorian patients and staff – this is about expanding access to frontline services, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.”

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