HOSPITAL chiefs will be called to a meeting within weeks after the State Government on Friday announced the creation of the Loddon Mallee Health Network.
Inglewood and Boort are among 13 health services in the new network, including Bendigo.
The Government says 12 networks “will support improved co-operation between local services, ensure doctors and specialists are available to care for patients closer to where they live, deliver clearer pathways in and out of hospital, and support better waitlist management across a region”.
Workshops early this year with service chief executive officers and their board chairs will focus on the priorities as well as governance for networks.
“After the workshops, the department and health services will take these insights and test them with local workforces and communities to understand their priorities,” the Government said.
‘The department will then bring this information back to each network to help inform short, medium and long-term goals and activities.
“Throughout each stage of planning, health service CEOs and board chairs will have the opportunity to work closely with their workforces and communities to ensure they are consulted on the priorities ahead of establishment from July 1.
“This consultation does not affect individual strategic plans already in place.”
Boort District Health last month launched its latest strategic plan with CEO Donna Doyle saying she believed it would allow the service to meet new Government service requirements.
Health Minister Mary-Ann Thomas said during her announcement last Friday: “These networks will mean stronger referral pathways between health services – freeing up beds in busier hospitals, taking pressure off our dedicated workforce, and ensuring Victorians get care sooner, closer to home.
“At the centre of our health system reform is Victorian patients and staff – this is about expanding access to frontline services, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.”
The networks will aim to deliver:
A system that is easier to navigate, with more consistent pathways between hospitals
Better and more consistent support for our precious health workforce
Less duplication of administration, so that our hospitals can focus on what they do best - caring for patients