Community
17 January, 2025
Vic Government announces south west health network
THE Victorian Government has announced South West Healthcare (SWH) will form part of the new South West Local Health Service Network grouping as a result of the recent Health Services Plan recommendations.
South West Healthcare chief executive officer (CEO) Craig Fraser welcomed the announcement, emphasising the outcome acknowledged the long-established history of partnerships and collaboration within the south west.
“This is an excellent outcome for the communities of south west Victoria, and we are very thankful to the Health Minister and Government for supporting a South West Local Health Service Network,” he said.
“Cross service collaboration will lead to more innovative services, uniquely designed to improve the health of our communities and we extend our thanks to everyone who has supported our proposal and recognised its importance moving forward.
“Our community’s health and wellbeing will always remain our top priority, and we’re grateful that this announcement will provide us with even more support to do that into the future.”
Mr Fraser said the newly formed Local Health Service Network will continue to leverage on collective strengths, local community connections, and shared commitment to improve the health of our communities.
“We will deliver enhanced clinical programs, while focusing on local recruitment and retention, with a focus on providing high quality care delivery,” he said.
“We have always been self-reliant in delivering care within the south west, and this outcome will help us build on those strengths, enabling us to provide even more care, closer to home.”
The submission put forward was a unified and compelling proposal, developed by a number of south west region health services, including, Casterton Memorial Hospital, Heywood Rural Health, Moyne Health Services, Portland District Health, South West Healthcare, Terang and Mortlake Health Service and Western District Health Service, and backed by strong support from the local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation sector, Bush Nursing Centres and the Western Victoria Primary Health Network - Great South Coast.
Mr Fraser said it had been a privilege to work with the board chairs and CEOs from the seven south west health services, particularly throughout this process, which has further strengthened SWH’s working relationships.
“This achievement sets the south west up to be a key Victorian Healthcare Network for decades to come,” he said.
There will be further information released regarding the proposed Local Health Service Networks priorities in the coming weeks.
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