Image Upload


File size must be less than 2Mb

You must have online publishing permission or full ownership of this image

File types (jpg, png, gif)






  • Hero image
    Wimmera Base Hospital.

Health leaders: We need your help on merger

Health officials have called for more community leaders and members of the general public to have their say on proposals to explore partnership options between Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services.

Options ‘to enhance service and create better health outcomes for people across the Wimmera’ include a possible voluntary amalgamation.

Wimmera Health Care Group chair Marie Aitken said the two health services wanted more people to put forward their thoughts.

“We are very keen to hear from the community about the opportunities for improved health care within the Wimmera region,” she said.



Article continues below


“We would like to know what is important to you, to enhance services and improve health outcomes for people in the region.

“We want to ensure all views are heard and we want to know your thoughts on the pros and cons of partnering.”

Mrs Aitken said it was important to note the key focus of the exploration was about increasing the opportunity for Wimmera people to access health care in the region.

“People are travelling too far to receive health care and solutions are needed,” she said.

“We want to ensure the best health services are available for local people close to home and we would like to attract more clinicians to the local area, not only as visitors, but as residents. This requires community input and collaboration, big thinking and best-practice approaches.”

Community consultation is now underway and will continue through to February 15. 

People can put their opinions forward in various ways. They can –

• Fill in a survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHCGandBHSPartnership. The survey is open until Friday.

• Provide a written submission to Partnership Proposal, Wimmera Health Care Group – 83 Baillie Street, Horsham, Victoria, 3400 or email partnering@whcg.org.au.

• Attend an online community consultation session on January 28, 4pm to 5pm; February 1, 12.30pm to 1.30pm; February 2, 9.30am to 10.30am; February 3, 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Attend a community consultation session in person on February 5, 11.30am to 1pm or 2.30pm to 4pm at Horsham Golf Club; February 10, 3.30pm to 5pm, at Ballarat Health Services, Lederman Hall. 

People can RSVP to attend any of the consultation sessions and receive further information by emailing partnering@whcg.org.au or phoning 5381 9293.

There will also be community pop-up stands and meetings involving community organisations to discuss the project and hear views.

More general information is available on websites www.whcg.org.au and www.bhs.org.au.

The entire December 9, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!