The State Government is set to deliver 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.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas Victoria’s health system is one of the best in the world.
“These reforms will deliver even better care by supporting health services to work together and ensuring local voices are heard,” Ms Thomas said.
“These Networks will mean stronger referral pathways between health services – freeing up beds in busier hospitals, taking pressure off our dedicated workforce, and ensuring Victorians get care sooner, closer to home.”
“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.”
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 chief executive officer, 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 Federal 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
