By Jessica Micallef
Kyneton District Health and Hepburn Health Service are exploring a merger.
The proposal is aimed at combining the management and governance of the two organisations.
The chief executive of both services, Maree Cuddihy, said the possible union would enhance their capabilities
“The proposal aims … to meet the needs of our community and improve access to personalised, high quality health care close to home,” Ms Cuddihy said.
The amalgamation of the services is expected to improve the access to a range of health services across the region, provide more job opportunities and more training of nursing, medical and allied health staff.
Kyneton District Health board president Peter Matthews said patient care was their main priority.
“We aim to improve patient care and achieve positive health outcomes for our community through sustainable, long-term quality services that are locally based,” Mr Matthews said.
“A due diligence analysis is being undertaken to assess the clinical, governance, financial, human resource, technological and regulatory impacts of the proposal before any decision.”
Hepburn Health Service board chair Philip Thomson said community consultation would run until March 15.
“We encourage the community to participate in the consultation sessions and provide input on the proposal,” Mr Thomson said. “Your feedback is valuable to use and will determine how we can meet future health needs.”
Mr Thomson reassured residents that their “hospitals and facilities will remain in place in their current locations”.
To have your say visit bit.ly/2GOvKVP or attend a session at Kyneton District Health on Wednesday, February 27 from 10.30am-noon or 6.30-8pm.
