General News
10 February, 2025
RNH "pleased" to be in Grampians health network
Rural Northwest Health (RNH) has assured the community that the Local Health Service Network will not impact its current service provision.
"Rather it is a positive continuation of existing services," they said.
“In a natural progression from the former Grampians Rural Health region, under which RNH falls, we will now instead fall under the Grampians network,” CEO Jenni Masters said.
The Grampians Rural Health region will consist of Beaufort and Skipton Health Service, Central Highlands Rural Health, East Grampians Health Service, East Wimmera Health Service, Grampians Health, Maryborough District Health Service, Rural Northwest Health and West Wimmera Health Service.
“We’d like to make it very clear, that this is not an amalgamation and that RNH is pleased to remain part of the network as this ensures that our communities can continue to access the resources they require to remain healthy," Ms Masters said.
Last year Wimmera residents were concerned over the proposed amalgamation that was supposed to commence in July 2024, where the state's 76 health services would combine into 12.
Following recommendations from the independent Expert Advisory Committee, the Local Health Services Network was formed, allowing each health service to keep their unique identity and work together to improve services.
“RNH is proud to continue providing excellent, effective and accessible care to our communities," Ms Masters said.
Grampians Health have said they are working closely with the Department of Health to progress the formation of the network.
"Grampians Health remains focused on delivering quality health care to the communities we serve," a spokesperson said.
The network is proposed to come into effect from July 1.