JOBS would be lost if the Victorian Government proceeds with plans to merge regional health services.

Rumours continue to gain momentum regarding the potential amalgamation of Victorian health services, including Western District Health Service.

The mergers could mean not only job losses but potential loss of health services in order to consolidate and make back-office administrative savings.

The State Government has continued to deny that any decision to merge health services had yet been made but said that the Department of Health Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) had been engaged to investigate how best to optimise health services.

In Parliament this week, South West Coast MP, Roma Britnell directly questioned the Health minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, about whether the Victorian Government could categorically rule out merging south-west health services within the next two years.  The minister has 30 days to respond.

Ms Britnell expressed significant concerns over the government’s proposed hospital mergers, which she said would severely impact local communities.

“These proposed mergers threaten to reduce the range of essential healthcare services available to our community,” she said.

“We don’t want our community members to have to drive to Melbourne or Geelong for procedures that could be performed here in our region, resulting in poorer patient outcomes and further disadvantaging regional communities.”

The South West Alliance, comprised of councils and community representatives, met with Liberal leader, John Pesutto and Ms Britnell at Parliament House on Wednesday to highlight the substantial positive economic contribution of south west regional communities to Victoria.

A major topic of discussion was the potential merging of south-west hospitals.

Mr Pesutto said, “While no one will oppose efficiencies aimed at eliminating genuine duplication of back-office administrative services, we strongly oppose mergers driven by the Government’s budget failures that deny local communities access to local health services or displace health leaders best equipped to meet patient needs.”

Ms Britnell said the EAC had excluded many health services from the consultation process. 

“The ones that were included, are forbidden to speak about it,” she said.

“The proposed merger is intended to save money, but it won’t. 

“Ultimately, it’s about shifting costs. 

“Jobs will be lost, and communities will lose access to vital healthcare services.”

WDHS chief executive, Rowena Clift told The Spectator that the independent EAC had submitted its report to the Department of Health, and the proposed options therein were currently under consideration.

 “I want to assure the community that both the Board and I actively participated in the Advisory Committee discussions.

“We will continue to advocate to ensure that any new proposal addresses the unique healthcare needs of our region.

 “We remain dedicated to making healthcare more accessible, ensuring that every member of our community receives the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve.”