NOVEMBER 17, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
infocus Road to recovery I SPECIAL EDITION SEE INSIDE
Celebration of learning (Ben McNamara)
The City of Melton Lifelong Learning Festival kicks off this week, offering something for everyone. Highlights include a screening of award-winning Australian film Happy Sad Man, an uplifting insight into the lives of five very different Australian men, followed by a Q&A with some of the cast and director Genevieve Bailey (pictured with war photographer Jake). ■ Full story: Page 9
Merger talks resume By Benjamin Millar Merger talks between the two health services serving almost one million people living in Melbourne’s west are back in full swing following the easing of the coronavirus crisis. Community engagement on the potential voluntary amalgamation between Djerriwarrh Health Services and Western Health is underway to determine how the two services might better serve communities in the booming population growth corridor. A Djerriwarrh spokesman said the
re-engagement will pick up discussion with community representatives where they left off in August as the coronavirus crisis took hold. “A short survey asking people in the Djerriwarrh and Western catchments will be available online and in local newspapers, with results and findings presented back to a virtual public meeting in December,” the spokesperson said. Talks about a potential merger began early this year after the state government announced last December that it plans to build a new Melton hospital, to be managed by Western Health.
The government has allocated $2.4 million to plan the new 24-hour medical facility, which will be built in Toolern. Western Health and Djerriwarrh Health Services currently service the healthcare needs of 985,000 people from Footscray and Williamstown to Bacchus Marsh, employing more than 7600 workers across 13 sites. The next step of merger talks will involve a public virtual meeting, to provide updates on the process and discuss the potential benefits that have been identified so far. This includes the potential for better sharing
of resources, increased access to higher levels of clinical expertise and diagnostic equipment and clearer referral pathways, as well as more staff and a stronger funding base. Discussions with staff and senior leaders from both health services were held earlier this year. The services have vowed not to close Bacchus Marsh Hospital or the Grant Lodge residential care unit, whatever the outcome. Community services currently provided by Djerriwarrh around Bacchus Marsh would also continue. Details: betterhealthforthewest.com.au
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