The Allan Labor Government is putting patients first, delivering Victorians a better-connected health system - one that ensures patients get the care they need, sooner, and in their own communities.
Backed by record investments - including record frontline workforce recruitment, record funding for hospitals and health infrastructure - the Government is establishing Local Health Service Networks.
These Networks are grouped together by geographic regions and will support improved cooperation between local services, ensure doctors and specialists are available to care for patients closer to where they live, deliver clearer pathways in and out of hospital, and support better waitlist management across a region.
The final groupings were determined following extensive consultation with health services - with consideration given to population growth, community need, clinical capability and distance between services.
Importantly, the governance of each health service, including its board and CEO, unique identity and connection to their community, will remain unchanged.
In early 2025, health services will come together to discuss the priorities and arrangements for their Network, focusing on four key priority areas - access and flow, workforce, clinical governance, and sustainability - before Networks commence operation on 1 July.
Within each priority, it is expected Networks will work toward possible initiatives to improve referral pathways, attract new workforce and retain existing staff, and share support services and back-office functions to reduce unnecessary duplication.
Local workforces and communities will also be consulted in 2025 to gain their views as well to address each individual community's health needs.
The Labor Government made a record investment of more than $21 billion in the Victorian Budget 2024/25, helping health services meet increased demand, deliver more planned surgeries and support the dedicated workforce.
For more information on the Local Health Service Networks, please visit health.vic.gov.au/local-health-service-networks
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"Victoria's health system is one of the best in the world, and these reforms will deliver even better care by supporting health services to work together and ensuring local voices are heard."
"At the centre of our health system reform is Victorian patients and staff - this is about expanding access to frontline services, particularly in regional and rural Victoria."
Local Health Service Networks - by region:
Barwon
Barwon Health, Colac Area Health, Great Ocean Road Health, Hesse Rural Health Service
Bayside
Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health
Alexandra District Health, Eastern Health, St Vincent's Health, Yea and District Memorial Hospital
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
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.
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,
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
Austin Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Northern Health, and Seymour Health
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
Monash Health
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.
Werribee Mercy Hospital and Western Health
