Pictured: The Hon. Mary Anne Thomas MP, Minister of Health.
This is a welcome announcement and follows the recent submission by a number of South West region health services who presented a unified and compelling proposal to establish the South West network and acknowledges the long-established history of partnerships and collaboration within the South West. The South West Local Health Service Network has been grouped according to population growth, community need, clinical capability, and distance between services.
As previously advised, the development of Local Health Service Networks is not to amalgamate nor consolidate Victoria’s health services, rather it aims to foster a more connected health system that delivers the right care, at the right time, in the right place for all Victorians. South West Healthcare will continue to operate independently under our current management and brand and continue to work closely and collaboratively with our neighbouring South West health services to further strengthen our regional partnerships and provide a network of care for our communities.
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.
There will be further information released regarding the Local Health Service Networks priorities in the coming weeks which will be shared with staff as soon as possible.
The newly established South West Local Health Network will come into effect on July 1, 2025.