A new Hume Network will incorporate NCN Health alongside over a dozen other service providers, including Goulburn Valley Health and Albury Wodonga Health.
From July 1 this year, when the networks are expected to go live, Goulburn Valley Health and Albury Hospital will continue to provide care for complex cases that rural services are unable to provide.
But the announcement has copped criticism from some, with State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy questioning what the change will mean for rural communities like Cobram.
“We have no idea what services will be removed or centralised, making care less accessible for those in our community,” Mr McCurdy said.
“The government’s wasteful mismanagement has nearly bankrupted the health system.”
A spokesperson for the Victorian Government dismissed claims of forced mergers and staff cuts.
“We are getting on with expanding access to front-line care for all Victorians - and have been clear there will be no forced mergers and no cuts to front-line staff,” they said.
“This is about expanding access to care, particularly for regional and rural Victoria. Being linked through a network will help to ensure there are stronger referral pathways between all our health services – freeing up beds in our busier hospitals and ensuring Victorians can get care sooner, closer to home, while also taking pressure off our dedicated workforce.”
The announcement came after extensive consultation with providers across Victoria following the release of the Health Services Plan in April last year.
The new networks aim to reduce inequity in access to healthcare and improve consistency in patient care.
NCN Health CEO Mark Ashcroft expressed support for the health network shake-up.
“NCN Health already has a strong track record of providing health services in the local community and this won’t change moving forward,” he said.
“NCN Health expects the formation of Local Health Networks will build on this strength and continue to enhance health service access for people between health services in our region and more broadly where that is appropriate.”
Mr Ashcroft confirmed that despite the changes, NCN Health will retain its own board of directors after the new network comes online.
“Local hospitals and health services (including NCN Health) will continue to be managed locally and will keep their names, as well as be active participants in the broader health network,” he said.
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