General News
26 May, 2024
WWHS responds to merger speculation
Hot on the heels of Wimmera Mallee News approaching four regional healthcare services about the possibility of a statewide merger that would see the number of Victoria's health services reduced from 76 to 12, West Wimmera Health Service has issued this media release on their website:
Health system reform: response to media speculation and community concerns
West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) is aware of recent media speculation about the health system reform process currently being undertaken by the Department of Health.
We are also receiving increasing levels of direct contact from community members regarding this issue.
In response, we provide the following information:
• We understand that the Department of Health is currently considering a draft report prepared by the expert advisory committee (EAC) appointed in 2023 to evaluate the optimal design and governance of the public health service system.
• The draft report is understood to contain two potential options:
• Option 1: Retain and strengthen the existing formal regional partnership model with WWHS remaining a ‘standalone’ entity with its own board of directors and management team; or
• Option 2: Consolidate rural health services, including WWHS, into single region-wide entities which would see the seven existing health services in the Grampians region reformed into a single entity.
• In WWHS’s final submission to the EAC in April this year, we clearly expressed our full support for Option 1 and our opposition to Option 2.
We have been assured that regardless of the above this process will not result in the closure of individual hospitals or sites.
Regarding the financial performance and sustainability of public health services, which has also attracted increased media and community interest, we advise the following:
• WWHS is on track to record a small operating surplus for the current financial year ending on 30 June 2024.
• This surplus will be achieved within the Service’s original funding budget without the need for additional 'top-up' funding.
• Initial projections indicate that the Service will achieve a similar financial outcome for the 2024-2025 financial year.
We acknowledge that the current uncertainty and media speculation about these issues can be distressing for many of our stakeholders, including our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.
We will therefore continue to provide as much support and information as and when possible to assist during this period.
In the meantime, we thank our communities for their ongoing support and our employees for their unwavering commitment to our overarching purpose: great care, every person, every time.
Any queries regarding this statement may be directed to Katherine Colbert, Board Chair, or Ritchie Dodds, Chief Executive Officer.