By Ewen McRae
A decision on a potential amalgamation of local health services has been pushed back.
Djerrwarrh Health Services have been in discussions with Western Health since December over a potential amalgamation, after the state government announced that Western Health would operate the future Melton Hospital.
The health services have been consulting with community groups and local doctors, with a decision initially exected in May.
However, due to strong feedback from community groups and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the consultation period has been extended.
A joint statement from the two health services last week outlined the changes to the process.
“We have made the decision to extend the community consultation into the second half of 2020,” the statement said.
“The decision was made in response to the feedback we received and also recognises the vital need to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“This will ensure we have the time to discuss and address any concerns raised in the consultation process.
“Our main priority remains the delivery of the highest quality care, while we continue to engage our communities in the months ahead.
“We will meet community representatives when possible, and ensure responses and issues raised are fed back into the group overseeing the project, as they have been so far.”
Under the Health Services Act, any amalgamation would be voluntary, require agreement from both boards and need to demonstrate benefit to the community.
Djerriwarrh Health currently does not have a board, with Dr John Ballard the current administrator, however the health services said the decision on amalgamation would not be delayed to allow a board to be installed.
“This process is based on an evaluation of the net benefit to the community, irrespective of the composition of the governing bodies,” they said.
Further community consultation sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.
