RUMOURS of the possible merger of local health services, including Western District Health Services are ramping up causing ongoing concerns and speculation over Victorian Government’s Health Services Plan.

Contributing to this is the recent revelation that Victorian hospitals share a combined debt of $1.46 billion.

Responding to queries as to whether Western District Health Service (WDHS) would be merging with other health services, on Thursday, a government spokesperson told The Spectator that the current structure of Victoria’s health system had been in place for over 20 years and that this was despite massive changes in how healthcare had been delivered, and the specific healthcare needs of communities.

The spokesperson said that Victorian health systems, like those across Australia and around the world, were facing significant challenges, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They said that insights of all of Victoria’s health services were being sought from an Independent Expert Advisory Committee to contribute to the optimal design and governance of the public health service system.

The committee was looking at how public health services can better work together and best utilise resources to deliver improved care for all Victorians.

“It is important we look at how the system is organised to ensure we are delivering the very best health care, closer to home, for Victorian patients wherever they live,” the spokesperson said.

WDHS board chair, Anna Sweeney said its primary concern was always the care and wellbeing of patients, residents and staff.

“The Government appointed Expert Advisory Committee has met with Board Chairs and CEO’s across the State in recent months,” she said.

“During these consultations we have strongly advocated for the best outcomes for our community.

“We want to reassure our staff, patients and residents that we are working hard to ensure that in any proposed new health service model, resources are allocated effectively, clinical outcomes remain first-rate, and services are delivered close to home”.

Casterton Memorial Hospital (CMH) board chair, Greg Hart said, “we are committed to ensuring that any potential changes ultimately benefit our community, optimising resources and maintaining the highest clinical standards.

“While we understand there is considerable speculation in the media, we’re not in a position to comment on the specifics of the Government’s plan.

“We eagerly await the Advisory Committee recommendations and guidance from the Health minister regarding a path forward.

“Rest assured, our community’s interests remain paramount, and we will continue to advocate for what is best for our region and the people we serve.”

Lowan MP, Emma Kealy slammed the government for imposing unrealistic savings targets on all of Victoria’s 76 health services and that regional hospitals were under threat like never before.

“The Allan Labor Government (is) set to impose severe funding cuts, triggering forced mergers, service reductions and potential closures,” she said.

“These cuts, uncovered just weeks out from a looming horror State Budget, are expected to collectively amount to millions of dollars.”

The government spokesperson said it was important to note that as yet, no decision had been made.

The independent committee has not finalised its report to government at this stage but is due imminently.