WITH the hospital merger on many minds, staff members for health services around the Grampians and Wimmera districts are welcoming new opportunities that come with an overarching health service.
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This partnership is the proposal that the Wimmera Health Care Group, Stawell Regional Health, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital come together with Ballarat Health Services to form a new health service under a new health board.
Stawell Regional Health acting director of clinical and residential care services, Mick Kirby, said the opportunity to fill this role is an example of opportunities emerging from the partnership and supporting community health services.
"It's a very exciting time to be here as we explore the new opportunities that coming together could present," he said.
"I'm in a great position as I've been able to experience healthcare across the region, not just in Ballarat."
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Wimmera Health Care Group health information manager Christine Gunn said she believed more opportunities with health services working together.
"Working at a smaller health service, you often work alone and might not be aware of a better way of doing something. One of the benefits I see of coming together is having the opportunity to confer and consult with others in a similar position," she said.
Ms Gunn had worked at Wimmera Health Care Group for 11 years and before that had worked in Warracknabeal for 22 years as a medical records clerk and health information manager.
"We will be linking all our resources," she said.
"It's been happening for a long time anyway through various partnerships like the Grampians Rural Health Alliance, regional meetings and committees, but this will formalise it and ensure it's not just for particular areas but the overarching organisation."
Ms Gunn said this partnership would also allow more minor health services to learn from the best and upskill to a higher level.
The merger proposal was submitted to the Victorian government for approval in July.
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