From July 1, all Medicare Locals will be replaced with a smaller number of Primary Health Networks.

Grampians Medicare Local’s catchment area - which includes the Wimmera - will combine with Great South Coast Medicare Local and Barwon Medicare Local.

Barwon Medicare Local’s successful bid to run the new network was announced last month.

Barwon Medicare Local chief executive Jason Trethowan said the consolidation of the three Medicare Locals would change employment.

‘‘Inevitably in western Victoria there will be job losses and new jobs created as well,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s too early to tell about jobs as we haven’t actually completed our recruitment processes.’’

Mr Trethowan said the western Victorian Primary Health Network would include centres in Horsham, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Geelong.

‘‘Given we are in early days, we are laying the foundation for future job growth opportunities at the Horsham centre,’’ he said.

‘‘During the initial stages there won’t be a net increase in jobs, but there will be new positions such as a regional manager who will be a key interface with communities and clinicians.’’

He said existing services in Ararat would also continue.

Mr Trethowan said the new network aimed to gain trust with general practices and health services in the region.

‘‘Grampians Medicare Local has worked closely with Barwon Medicare Local to ensure services will be maintained through the transition period from July 1,’’ he said.

He said feedback from stakeholders in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee showed a need for the Primary Health Network to develop new service models to deliver more care closer to people’s homes.

Mr Trethowan said the group had gathered information from general practices, health services and the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership.

‘‘Our aim would be to improve patient outcomes through more medical and allied health services, either delivered in person or through Telehealth services,’’ he said.

Mr Trethowan said it was important for all regional centres and the wider health community to work together during the transition.

‘‘The Primary Health Network will never achieve anything in isolation,’’ he said.

‘‘Improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for people in the Wimmera will be achieved through partnerships and relationships.

‘‘Over time the community should experience high levels of service they are accustomed to, with more expert health care provided closer to their home and when they need it.’’