News that the State Government had grouped health services into Local Health Service Networks was met with distrust and derision from members of the opposition parties, but our local health provider, Dhelkaya Health, responded positively. The government announced on Friday 10 January that the networks, formed in geographic regions after consultation with health services, would help improve cooperation between local services and ensure patients had access to medical care close to home, while improving the management and navigation of waiting lists.
Accusing the government of making changes to the detriment of the community, Leader of the Victorian National Party Danny O’Brien said: “Mergers by stealth across Victoria have moved a step closer,” he said. “We should all be on red alert because it is another sign of Labor’s plans to take away local decision making and reduce local services. In centralising decision-making and merging regional health services with metropolitan or major regional hospitals, Labor is stripping away local jobs and the ability to prioritise the unique needs of regional communities.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell suggested that the changes were due to financial mismanagement.
“Labor’s health merger mess proves they can’t be trusted with our healthcare or our money. Victorians deserve the opportunity to access quality care close to home,” she said.
“Spending $18 million a day in interest payments on Labor’s debt is crippling Victoria’s ability to provide essential services. Labor cannot manage money or our health system, and Victorians are paying the price.”
Local health provider responds
The Tarrangower Times contacted Dhelkaya Health to try and understand the ways in which the changes would affect local patients and staff. Dhelkaya Health manages and delivers health and wellbeing services for Castlemaine Health, Maldon Hospital and CHIRP and will now become part of the Loddon Mallee Regional Health Network.
Dhelkaya Health CEO Sue Race said that services across this region have already been working together and described the new Network as “…a health service grouping that we have already been part of for many years through the Loddon Mallee Regional Health Alliance (along with many other health services in this region). This means we have been actively collaborating within this group for many years on these same aims.”
Ms Race said the goals of the Network included coordinating services, reducing duplication and contributing to a better supported workforce. She provided examples including Human Resources, Payroll and Health Information Services which are shared across eight health services in this region. She pointed to training programs and professional development in specialist areas such as Aboriginal Health Liaison and Maternity Services, which are offered across the region to ensure consistent best practice and care. Ms Race also described existing collaborations with Bendigo Health “…to help improve access to healthcare services, reduce patient waiting lists and ensure those who live locally can recover in a local hospital close to friends and family.”
Local Network future
Responding to TT’s [Tarrangower Times] query about whether the formation of Local Health Service Networks is a hint of further changes to come, Ms Race remained positive. “In the longer term we do expect to see broader governance changes around setting priorities, role delineation and relationships in the region,” she said. “But we do not expect changes directly affecting staff, patients, residents or clients.”
The State Government indicated that workforces and communities will be consulted about local health care needs as this year progresses and Ms Race reiterated that this is the chance for the community to engage in any future developments and have their say. “A statewide consultation will commence early in 2025 which will ask the health workforce and communities about their view on the immediate priorities of each Network,” she said. “This is something we will be actively promoting and encouraging everyone to get involved in.”
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 24 January 2025.