Over the past few months, Kilmore District Health and Northern Health have worked together to explore the potential benefits of a better connected health service.

After extensive consultation with staff and the community, the boards of the two health services have endorsed a proposal to formally merge to create a new health service for the northern catchment areas under the Northern Health umbrella. The proposal was supported by a comprehensive business case that assessed the options for voluntary amalgamation.

While the consultation and business case process has taken place independent of government, in accordance with the Health Services Act 1988, the proposal has now been referred to the Secretary of the Department of Health and the Minister for Health for consideration and approval.

Under the proposed new structure, each health service will continue to care for their local communities while exploring new ways of sharing resources, increasing access to specialist services and enhancing career opportunities for staff.

If the proposal is approved by the Minister for Health, Kilmore District Health and Northern Health will work with staff to develop an integrated Strategic Plan and Clinical Service Plan with a shared vision for a sustainable model of care to benefit the northern community well into the future.

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