Anniversary of successful health services merger

Western Health nurses Alannah Borg and Maree Bell. (Supplied)

By Olivia Condous

Western Health is commemorating the one year anniversary of the successful merging of local health services in the west.

Western Health amalgamated with the former Djerriwarrh Health Services on July 1 2021, bringing together 11,000 healthcare professionals to provide care for the communities of Melbourne’s west.

Djerriwarrh Health Services became the Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Caroline Springs campuses of Western Health, including the Bacchus Marsh Hospital, Grant Lodge Aged Care and community centres in the three areas.

In the first year of the merger, more than 100 staff have been recruited for the newly added health facilities and there have been a series of building upgrades.

In the last 12 months, local parents have welcomed more than 500 babies at the Bacchus Marsh maternity unit, including Colson Millson who was born on July 1 which was the first day of the merger.

Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison thanked staff across merged health services for their hard work, commitment and dedication.

“Thanks to all of our staff, both those who have recently joined and our long-term staff members, for your ongoing commitment,” Mr Harrison said.

Together we aim to provide the best possible care for families and communities right across the western suburbs.”