The local community is increasingly worried about possible hospital mergers involving Seymour Health.
However, its CEO Ward Street said there is no chance Seymour Health will close and added that proposed healthcare reform actually offers opportunities for growth.
On Wednesday, July 3, members of the community gathered at Seymour Football and Netball Club for an information night organised by State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland to get additional information about the amalgamations, plans and the future of Seymour Health.
Ms Cleeland told the meeting she believes hospital mergers will combine 76 health services across Victoria into 12 large hubs.
She said a lack of public information about these plans is causing worry in the community.
One Seymour Health employee said she had not heard anything official about any mergers, but had read rumours on Facebook, that she hopes were untrue.
“The meeting was a chance for us to share some information, answer some questions, and hopefully clarify some of the rumours and fears that people might have about hospital mergers in our region,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I feel it is incredibly important to ensure our community is kept informed about what these mergers will do to our local hospitals, Seymour Health included.
“So far, the lack of information being shared with the community from both government and the hospitals themselves has been unacceptable.”
Frank Satori, a former board member of Seymour Health, said Seymour is fortunate to have an easily accessible hospital.
“If we lose our services, you'll be going to Kilmore or up to Shepparton,” he said.
“Our hospital ensures that time and care is available right here at home and potentially saving lives when minutes matter most.”
Dr Will Twycross from Mansfield said he believed a hospital amalgamation plan will be based on the Grampians Health model, where four hospitals merged into one entity.
“The Northern Grampians Shire Council have moved and carried a vote of ‘no confidence’ in their amalgamated health board,” he said.
“You can see the evidence in the Grampians of the smaller town, the worst it is doing.”
However, the state government told The Telegraph that there are no plans for hospital amalgamations, nor are there plans to close down hospitals.
“We are delivering a massive 28 per cent pay rise to Victoria’s nurses and midwives,” a government spokesperson said.
“We are investing a record $20 billion into our hospitals this year alone — and an additional $8.8 billion multi-year investment in this year’s budget.
“Only Labor invests in our health system.”
Despite the community’s uncertainties, Mr Street said that Seymour Health is on a very firm financial footing. But he added that it needs support.
“We’ve got a dedicated team of doctors, nursing and support staff, and we continue to deliver high-quality safe care for our consumers, and we’ll certainly continue to do so in the future.
“There is no risk of Seymour Health closing under the health system reform.”
Mr Street said the reform presents new opportunities for Seymour.
“It actually allows us to look at the expanded range of service rather than a restriction of services,” he said.
“They would be delivered locally so it can be seen as an opportunity, not just a threat.”
Mr Street said there is no denying that there are current financial pressures on health services across Victoria, but it should not be confused with the reform agenda.
“It’s actually evidence that reform is required,” he said.
“Financial pressures are a symptom of the current health care system in Victoria.
“The board of Seymour Health has been and will continue to explore all opportunities to ensure a sustainable future for Seymour Health that continues to deliver and expand our capability to meet growing healthcare needs for our community.”
Ms Cleeland assured the community that she will write to the Seymour Health Board to ensure the town’s voice is heard in crucial decisions.