The letter, written by Health Workers Union Secretary Diana Asmar, identifies some of the union's critical concerns with the proposal.

"Let us be frank. This is yet another cost-cutting exercise from the Victorian Government into our public health system," Ms Asmar said.

"Further, we understand the Victorian government has plans to roll out further contracting out of vital public services within Ballarat Health Services.

"It's only a matter of time before dodgy private contractors, like those awarded the task of managing Victoria's hotel quarantine system, are given the task of providing frontline services - like kitchen staff, patients services assistants, cleaners, personal carers, and security - at our regional hospitals."

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In a statement, a spokesman for the Wimmera Health Care Group said no decision had been made regarding amalgamation.

"Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services have previously announced to their communities they are exploring partnership options to enhance the delivery of services and create better health outcomes for local people across the Wimmera region," the spokesman said.

"This is a health service-led process, and no decision has been made at this point.

"Our staff and our services to the community are at the forefront of all our deliberations."

The letter comes after the boards of Wimmera Health Care Group, Stawell Regional Health, and Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital all announced they would explore possible partnership or amalgamation with Ballarat Health Services.

Have something to say on this issue? Get in touch - alex.dalziel@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

The three health groups have been conducting community consultation on the proposal and are yet to announce any decision.

Many in the community have voiced their public opposition to the proposal, including Horsham City Council and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy.

The Health Workers Union has also launched a petition against the amalgamation proposal.

"The proposed amalgamation of regional health services at Wimmera health, Edenhope health, and Stawell health will be to the long-term detriment of those local affected communities, and public health workers at those facilities," Ms Asmar said in the letter.

"These hospitals are the heart and soul of their respective communities. Job losses at regional hospitals have the capacity to devastate small communities. Can you guarantee no job losses or loss of local health services?

"It is regrettable that Treasury bureaucrats and politicians in Melbourne have no understanding of the impact of those decisions on those regional communities."

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