A MAJOR shake-up of health services in Melbourne’s west and north is under way as Western Region Health Centre considers merging with two other services.
Footscray-based WRHC is seeking to merge with Doutta Galla Community Health and North Yarra Community Health in the biggest change in the organisation’s 49-year history.
The three services’ chief executives announced the proposal to 620 staff last week. They argue a larger organisation would attract more funding and have a stronger voice fighting for fair and accessible health services.
WRHC CEO Lyn Morgain said there should be no disruption to services as the proposal was considered and implemented.
“Western Region Health Centre has a long and proud tradition of looking after the people of the west, particularly those who are most disadvantaged,” she said.
“If this proposal goes ahead, we will be in an even better position to develop our services and be an influential advocate for local, accessible and equitable health services.”
While the merger would result in job losses at corporate and management levels, Ms Morgain said frontline service delivery jobs would not be affected.
“This process will proceed at a pace which aims to remove uncertainty for staff as soon as possible.
‘‘But equally, there won’t be any hasty decisions because we are determined to get this right, for our people and our communities.”
Doutta Galla Community Health CEO Caz Healy said maintaining high-quality local health services would remain the highest priority.
A decision is expected in three months.
