Mr McCurdy said a recent report revealed regional health could be consolidated into five “local health service networks” – Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume and Gippsland.
“Premier Allan has claimed here will be no “forced” amalgamations, but these are mega-mergers which also create another level of bureaucracy.
“Make no mistake, this is a half-step to mergers and is preparing the ground to centralise our health services, taking away important services from our regional hospitals,” Mr McCurdy said.
“The Hume network will be massive, covering sixteen different health regions from Corryong to Kyabram, Albury to Yea, with a service area of over 380,000 people.
“This will leave locals in Wangaratta, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Myrtleford, and Bright worse off and stifle the important innovation that helps regional health services flourish.”
Mr McCurdy said the changes could leave smaller regional hospitals missing out on important services and requiring locals to travel hours for care.
He also noted that more administration will make the health sector less efficient, and lead to hospitals competing for fewer staff.
“This is another layer of administrative red tape that will clog up the system and cause more work for the already under-resourced hospital staff,” Mr McCurdy added.
“Alongside this, there will be fighting within networks for staff – our hard-working doctors and nurses don’t need this.”
Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas provided a statement to the Yarrawonga Chronicle back in June stating there would be no hospital closures under her watch.
“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 in June 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.
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