ANMF (Vic Branch) will be closely monitoring implementation of the new Local Health Service Networks – the Allan Labor Government’s blueprint for a more-connected statewide public health system, due to commence operation on 1 July.
While the ANMF agrees in principle with the importance of joint planning and collaborative commissioning to reduce fragmentation in healthcare delivery, it is not yet clear how the proposed changes might affect Victoria’s public sector nurses and midwives. The Branch will want to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on roles and activities of members, and our career structure.
What are Local Health Service Networks?
Local Health Service Networks were a recommendation of the independent expert advisory committee established by the government in 2023 to consider how to improve access to and equity of health services for all Victorians.
The committee found the existing system – comprising 76 separate health services – was often disconnected and hard to navigate, access to services was inequitable, and resources were sometimes insufficiently focused on patient care due to duplication and administrative inefficiencies. The ANMF fully supports this finding not just in respect to patients but also other systems such as payroll.
In response, the committee developed the Health Services Plan, which made 27 recommendations to reform Victoria’s public health sector. Key among these recommendations was creating a more collaborative, connected system through the implementation of Local Health Service Networks.
The idea is that these networks will enable health services to work together to deliver more accessible, higher quality care – through better and more efficient sharing of information and expertise, as well as stronger referral pathways and workforce support, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.
Each network, for example, will be expected to establish a formal relationship with a tertiary, a women’s and a children’s hospital to support improved patient access to high complexity care and expertise. The networks are also expected to deepen integration with sector partners in primary care, community and non-acute mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and aged care.
Within the networks, each health service will keep its name, local leadership and connection to the community.
The networks, which are grouped together by geographic region, were determined following consultation with health services, and with consideration given to population growth, community need, clinical capability and distance between services. Further consultation is scheduled to occur over the coming months to discuss priorities and governance arrangements, focusing on four key areas:
- access and flow
- workforce
- clinical governance
- sustainability.
Local workforces and communities will also be consulted in the lead-up to 1 July.
Local Health Service Networks – by region
Barwon Local Health Service Network
- Barwon Health, Colac Area Health, Great Ocean Road Health, Hesse Rural Health Service
Bayside Local Health Service Network
- Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health
East Metro and Murrindindi Local Health Service Network
- Alexandra District Health, Eastern Health, St Vincent’s Health, Yea and District Memorial Hospital
Gippsland Local Health Service Network
- Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Central Gippsland Health Service, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Omeo District Health, Orbost Regional Health, South Gippsland Hospital, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Yarram & District Health Service
Grampians Local Health Service Network
- Beaufort & Skipton Health Service, Central Highlands Rural Health, East Grampians Health Service, East Wimmera Health Service, Grampians Health, Maryborough District Health Service, Rural Northwest Health, West Wimmera Health Service.
Hume Local Health Service Network
- Albury Wodonga Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Kyabram District Health Service, Mansfield District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health,
Loddon Mallee Local Health Service Network
- Bendigo Health, Boort District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Dhelkaya Health, Echuca Regional Health, Heathcote Health, Inglewood and Districts Health Service, Kerang District Health, Mallee Track Health and Community Service, Mildura Base Public Hospital, Robinvale District Health Services, Rochester & Elmore District Health Service, Swan Hill District Health
North Metro and Mitchell Local Health Service Network
- Austin Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Northern Health, and Seymour Health
Parkville Local Health Service Network
- Dental Health Services Victoria, Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellness Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital
South Metro Local Health Service Network
- Monash Health
South West Local Health Service Network
- Casterton Memorial Hospital, Heywood Rural Health, Moyne Health Services, Portland District Health, South West Healthcare, Terang and Mortlake Health Service, Timboon and District Healthcare Service, Western District Health Service.
West Metro Local Health Service Network
- Werribee Mercy Hospital and Western Health
