Benham backs the Mallee Health Network
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has expressed concern over the Allan Labor Government’s decision to support the recommended establishment of a Loddon Mallee Network to oversee healthcare services in the region.
Ms Benham requested an update from the Minister for Health on the looming move, and received the following non-committal response:
“The Expert Advisory Committee recommended the establishment of a Loddon Mallee Network. The detailed design of Local Health Service Networks (Networks), including their groupings and governance arrangements, has not yet been finalised as they are currently subject to sector consultation. Final arrangements will be announced following consultation.”
Ms Benham said: “Regional and rural health services should remain autonomous, that is the first priority.
“I don’t agree with health networks at all. It’s amalgamations by stealth, but if there is to be a health network, the Mallee Health Network is the most common sense. Both for patient flows and geography.
“I know there has been a difference in opinion on this between boards, but if the Minister is looking at logic and patient flows, I don’t really see how Loddon Mallee makes any sense at all.
“The establishment of a much larger network in Loddon Mallee would ultimately lead to our local health care services being amalgamated into Bendigo, which would be a disaster for our communities as it has been for Grampians Health.
“These health networks are amalgamations by stealth and I will keep fighting for our health services to retain their own boards and administration.
“Labor can’t manage money, they can’t manage the health system, so our hospital back in public hands means your family is now paying the price.”
