PARTNERSHIPS between Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services are being explored.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital chief executive officer Andrew Saunders said the board of the hospital would assess the benefits of a potential merger with the health services before committing.
"In order to enhance access to health care services and improve health outcomes for the Edenhope community, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital is going to explore a number of partnership options with Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services," Mr Saunders said.
The potential partnership options include a strengthened partnership, shared service agreements, or possible voluntary amalgamation.
"Before any decision is made the process will include extensive community and staff consultation. An assessment of the costs, benefits and risks will lead to the development of a business case which will enable the board to make an informed decision on the best way forward," Mr Saunders said.
"The board is adamant that any decision to move forward must achieve the best outcomes for Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital and the community."
The announcement came as Wimmera Health Care Group finalised the community consultation for their own partnership with Ballarat Health Service.
The two health services have been exploring partnership options, including voluntary amalgamation, since mid-2020.
Horsham City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy have both opposed the plan, with concerns a merger would reduce the capacity of health services in the Wimmera.
Mr Saunders said hospital services in Edenhope have been declining, and the partnership would improve the region's access to essential services.
"In recent years, the amount of hospital care provided to our community has been declining," Mr Saunders said.
"Hospital admissions have fallen by one quarter over the past five years and fallen almost three quarters compared to 15 years ago.
"Low levels of activity make it difficult for our staff to get the experience and development they need and to sustain our services into the future.
"Partnering with other, larger health services will improve the level of activity at our hospital and create new opportunities for our staff so that we can continue to provide outstanding care at Edenhope well into the future."
Wimmera Health Care Group board chair Marie Aitken said the health care group is excited to include Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital in the project.
"I am really pleased to welcome Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital to this exploration phase of the project. Our vision at Wimmera health care group, our first words are 'Wimmera wide', so it's really exciting to welcome another Wimmera health group to the project," Ms Aitken said.
"Edenhope joining the project means that there will be more ideas and more possibilities for innovation and improvement.
"If we don't think services will be improved, the project will not progress. Ultimately this project is to improve health services Wimmera-wide for the whole community."
Edenhope and District Hospital will host community consultation sessions from March 1 to May 21. The sessions will range from online surveys to face-to-face meetings.
For more information on the community consultation process, visit www.edmh.org.au.
Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.
