THE State Government has appointed Natimuk doctor Robert Grenfell to help reshape Victoria's healthcare system.
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He will begin as senior adviser on preventative health with the Department of Human Services on April 14.
Dr Grenfell will provide advice to the director and chief health officer on prevention and preventative medicine across the state healthcare system.
He will also drive reform in clinical practice to develop an understanding and acceptance of preventative healthcare in Victoria.
Dr Grenfell said the two-year role was extremely exciting, and a very positive direction for the State Government to take.
"Preventative health and wellness is looking at programs to keep us well, rather than just treating illness," he said.
"The Federal Government, President Obama and Europe are also moving in this direction."
Dr Grenfell said he was stepping down as board member and GP consultant with the West Vic Division of General Practice but he would continue running the Goat Gallery in Natimuk, which he said had a `life of its own'.
"We are negotiating with a local artist to run the gallery," he said.
He assured Natimuk people he was `not abandoning the community'.
He would share his time between Melbourne and Natimuk.
Natimuk surgery would still be operating, with Dr Grenfell attending two days a fortnight and Dr Jim Thomson attending four days a fortnight.
Dr Grenfell's hours will be down from four days a fortnight.
He said moves were underway to recruit another doctor for Natimuk.