CEO Robyn Haberecht cited Yarrawonga’s new surgical theatre as an example where partnerships formed with Albury and Goulburn Valley Health would expand surgical services across five days each week.
“That will be good for us, for people in this community and will help alleviate wait lists,” Ms Haberecht said.
“Having a more formalized network will enable us to do that more readily.”
The Victorian Government announced plans last month to amalgamate the state’s health system with 12 geography-based health service networks.
The networks will begin operation from July 1 this year as part of a need for “fundamental change” to the public health system.
The local health service networks are expected to share support services and back-office functions to reduce duplication.
Yarrawonga Health will be incorporated into the Hume Local Health Network, which includes Albury, Wodonga, Benalla, Euroa, GV Health Shepparton, Alpine, Beechworth, Corryong, Kyabram, Mansfield, NCN Health, Wangaratta and Tallangatta.
Ms Haberecht said it was important for people to understand that front line care for specialty services like cardiac conditions and major complications would always be provided locally before referral to the appropriate specialist centre.
“It won't change how we provide services here on a day-to-day basis,” she said.
While Ms Haberecht supports the merger, Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy expresses concerns about potential service reductions, job losses, and increased travel for regional Victorians seeking essential care.
With Goulburn Valley Health reporting a $38 million deficit last year he said it raised concerns about regional hospitals’ ability to fund more services when they were already pushed to the limits.
“The Government needs to provide critical details and transparency and explain how merging these hospitals is going to address the current health crisis,” Mr McCurdy said.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Health Annabelle Cleeland warned that the restructure could undermine local decision-making and potentially impact health services in regional Victoria.
“This plan risks sidelining regional hospitals and will diminish local decision-making, and lead to fewer services for our communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Decisions about our local health services will be made by a new board of directors sitting outside our community.”
But Ms Haberecht disagreed saying Yarrawonga Health already partnered with Wangaratta, Shepparton, Albury, and other health services in the region.
“Our board and our executive are still here. They are still responsible for the governance, strategic and operational management of Yarrawonga Health,” she said.
“While some people have reservations, I really think that this is a good way forward… I think it will benefit Yarrawonga Health.
“It's not going to change what we do day-to-day, but the support services around us will be better and we’ll be well positioned for further growth.”
Ms Haberecht emphasised that a top priority remains securing cross-border service and funding support, acknowledging the complexities of managing resources between Victoria and New South Wales.
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