The minister was responding to Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell’s comments in parliament several weeks ago warning about the negative consequences of mergers for smaller rural and regional health services.
“It has been widely reported that the State Labor Government is planning to force hospitals to merge as a cost-saving measure, reducing them to 12 health services – six regional and six metropolitan,” Ms Lovell said.
“It is expected that an advisory committee will soon deliver its report on the amalgamations, which will see smaller rural health services lose local oversight and control to larger central hospitals.
“The loss of local management could result in frontline care in smaller towns being cut back, opening hours reduced, services centralised in larger hospitals, and rural residents having to drive long distances for treatments that they used to get closer to home,” Ms Lovell added.
Ms Lovell accused the government of disregarding rural voices and of not consulting with the rural communities that will be affected by these changes.
“If large scale reform of the Victorian health system is to take place, it must happen after thorough consultation with communities, and through investment in services, infrastructure, new technology, and training more health workers, not by forcing hospitals into cost-cutting and chasing impossible efficiencies,” Ms Lovell said.
In response Minister Thomas replied to the Yarrawonga Chronicle stating, “we won't be lectured by the Liberal National Party, who were responsible for closing regional hospitals in Eildon, Koroit, Mortlake, Murtoa, Red Cliffs, Macarthur, Clunes, Beeac, Birregurra, Lismore, Elmore, and Waranga and privatising hospitals in Traralgon and Mildura”, the Minister Thomas said.
“Our track record speaks for itself - there will be no hospital closures under my watch.
“We will always support our hospitals which is why our recent budget delivers better facilities, more healthcare workers and a record investment of $8.8 billion for our hospitals to make sure every Victorian gets the best care, no matter where they live.”
Yarrawonga Health Board Chair David Rokesky told the Yarrawonga Chronicle that Yarrawonga Health continues to advocate for the ongoing growth of the health service.
“Decisions on the structure of the Victorian health system have not been advised,” Mr Rokesky said.
“Yarrawonga Health was consulted as part of this process and has advocated for a strengthened partnership between health services.
“Our focus remains on ensuring Yarrawonga Health continues to support our community with quality healthcare and residential aged care services,” he said.
Yarrawonga Health’s interim Chief Executive Officer Robin Haberecht said Victoria has a world-class public health system but understands people have different access to and experiences of care, depending on where they live, particularly those in rural and regional areas.
“Yarrawonga Health has a strong, supportive, and engaged community. The Yarrawonga Health Board, Community Advisory Committee, executive and staff will continue to advocate and strategically plan for community needs and ongoing growth of the health service,” Ms Haberecht said.
“The capital construction of a new state-of-the-art operating theatre remains on target for completion in early 2025.
“This clearly demonstrates the Victorian Government's commitment to enabling services closer to home, ongoing growth and health service sustainability for our community.”
Victoria currently has 76 health services across the state, each delivering tailored care to their communities.
