THE boards of Kilmore District Health, KDH, and Northern Health have begun a detailed assessment into voluntary amalgamation as they explore ways to expand healthcare services in the northern growth corridor.
A business case is being prepared for consideration by the boards of KDH and Northern Health based on outcomes from a consultation process, a stakeholders’ report and due diligence.
The process is in collaboration with the State Government and Department of Health.
If voluntary amalgamation is recommended and meets the requirements of the Health Services Act 1988, a report will be provided to the Department of Health for endorsement.
KDH and Northern Health undertook a community consultation process in April and May to determine what healthcare services are most important to community members and staff.
More than 200 people completed a survey while three workshops gave community members the opportunity to talk to KDH and Northern Health representatives.
Staff and community members had more than 15 hours of face-to-face time during the process.
KDH interim chief executive officer Jennifer Gilham said while stakeholder engagement was ongoing, she was pleased with the positive way Kilmore community members engaged in genuine feedback.
“It’s really important to take on board the needs of our community and our staff,” she said.
“This can only be done through a range of consultative methods, which we were committed to undertaking in order to capture as big a picture as we could to help us determine what is best for the future health care of our community.”
More than 90 per cent of respondents felt it was important to expand existing services.
The trial received feedback that voluntary amalgamation could be a logical next step to support the community; build on the close history and relationship between KDH and Northern Health; present an opportunity to increase services including diagnostics, x-ray and pathology, specialist care, and urgent and emergency care; offer care closer to home; improve opportunities for staff and highlight the importance of choice and flexibility.
Northern Health chief operating officer Debra Bourne said the process was a good opportunity to engage with Kilmore staff and the community.
“The consultation process highlighted the issues that are most important to staff and the community when it comes to health care in the Kilmore region,” she said.
“The next step is to consider whether a voluntary amalgamation is the best way forward by presenting a comprehensive business case to both boards for consideration.
“I take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the consultation process. The feedback has been extremely valuable in helping us to plan for the future.”
