Djerriwarrh Health Services will soon become part of Western Health to deliver a better health service for Melbourne’s growing western suburbs.
Minister for Health Martin Foley has approved the proposal for the voluntary amalgamation of Western Health and Djerriwarrh Health Service. This follows two-years of extensive community and staff consultation across both health services and communities and will formalise the existing strong partnerships between both services.
Under the Health Services Act, the Department Secretary must consider amalgamation proposals put forward by health services and be satisfied that the proposal will deliver better health services for the local communities.
There are also clear thresholds that must be considered including – no reduction in service delivery, continued security of employment for the existing workforce, extensive stakeholder engagement and due diligence.
The voluntary amalgamation will ensure a greater coordination of health services across the west, improve access to health services while focusing on the community’s future healthcare needs. Importantly, all Djerriwarrh staff will have continued security of employment.
It will deliver more specialised treatments, attract and retain an experienced workforce and provide greater career development opportunities and employment flexibility for staff.
The benefits include, a smoother pathway for patients through different treatments, more opportunities for staff to develop in their careers and better coordination and use of existing capacity, such as maternity services.
The integration of these two health services will provide local communities with greater access to clinical expertise and options for care closer to home. This is about creating a more integrated and responsive health service to better meet the needs of the community across the diverse and rapidly growing western suburbs.
Under the one entity, Western Health will continue to deliver world-class health services in Melbourne’s west to meet the needs of one of Australia’s fastest growing communities.
As part of this process, $5.5 million will be invested to redevelop the Grant Lodge Aged Care Facility in Bacchus Marsh to ensure residents receive the world-class care they deserve close to home.
The Government has already built the Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s Hospital, delivered a $10.6 million upgrade of maternity services and expansion of operating theatres in Bacchus March, is delivering the $1.5 billion new Footscray Hospital and is well advanced in planning for the Melton Hospital.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“The decision to voluntarily amalgamate comes after a long and mutually beneficial partnership that has delivered many benefits for the community. It will deliver more services and better care for Melbourne’s growing west.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“We’re investing in world class healthcare for Melbourne’s west to meet the needs of one of Australia’s fastest growing communities.”
Reviewed 22 June 2021