Hume and Whittlesea residents will benefit from a better-connected health system with the establishment of Local Health Service Networks.
Set up by the state government, these networks are grouped together by geographic regions and will support improved cooperation 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.
The final groupings were determined following extensive consultation with health services — with consideration given to population growth, community need, clinical capability and distance between services.
Importantly, the governance of each health service, including its board and chief executive, unique identity and connection to their community, will remain unchanged.
In early 2025, health services will come together to discuss the priorities and arrangements for their network, focusing on four key priority areas — access and flow, workforce, clinical governance, and sustainability — before networks commence operation on July 1.
Within each priority, it is expected networks will work toward possible initiatives to improve referral pathways, attract new workforce and retain existing staff, and share support services and back-office functions to reduce unnecessary duplication.
Local workforces and communities will also be consulted in 2025 to gain their views as well to address each individual community’s health needs.
“Victoria’s health system is one of the best in the world, and these reforms will deliver even better care by supporting health services to work together and ensuring local voices are heard,” Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“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.”
