PENINSULA Health has been grouped in with five other health services to form the “Bayside Local Health Service Network” as part of a controversial state government restructure.
Last Friday, 10 January, the state government unveiled 12 new “health networks”. It has grouped together health services statewide into geographic regions – health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the reformed system would “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.”
“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,” she said. “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 Bayside local health service network features Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service, and Peninsula Health. Last month Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, and Kooweerup Regional Health Service announced plans to merge under the tentative title “Bayside Health”.
The state government’s networks come into effect on 1 July this year, with each health service expected to meet with its new regional partners in the months to come to discuss how to work together. The Health Department website says that the new networks “may include co-ordinating clinical services and attracting and retaining the right workforce.” The governance of each health service will remain unchanged under the new system, the state government announcement read.
The Victorian Liberals have slammed the state government’s announcement as “a desperate attempt to cover up years of financial mismanagement and neglect of Victoria’s health system” and an “ill-conceived plan will result in reduced services, job losses and force Victorians to travel further for essential care.” Shadow health minister Georgie Crozier said “Labor’s health merger mess proves they can’t be trusted with our healthcare or our money. Victorians deserve the opportunity to access quality care close to home. “While Labor focuses on paperwork, patients are left waiting. It’s time for a government that prioritises people over bureaucracy.”
Peninsula Health chief executive Helen Cooper said that last month’s decision to merge with Alfred Health and Kooweerup Regional Health was made voluntarily. “The complementary nature of the three health services means we will be able to provide the full spectrum of care for the 1.1 million people we’ll serve through this network,” she said. (“Peninsula Health to voluntarily merge” The Times 17/12/2024)
The Bayside Health merger is expected to come into effect from 1 January, 2026.
First published in the Frankston Times – 14 January 2025