BASS Coast Health (BCH) has welcomed Friday’s announcement by the Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, that BCH will join the Bayside Local Health Service Network, along with Gippsland Southern Health Service, following the release of the Health Services Plan.
BCH Interim CEO Simone Alexander said the move to Bayside further strengthens partnerships with Alfred Health, Peninsula Health and Koo Wee Rup Regional Health Service. Calvary Health Care Bethlehem (Caulfield South) will also be part of the Bayside network.
“These are relationships we’ve worked so hard to develop over the last several years and we’re pleased that input from our staff and our community was included in the final decision about the network structure,” said Ms Alexander.
“As a health service, we already host visiting medical specialists from The Alfred who provide our cancer and cardiology services, and offer outpatient consultations to our community.
“Medical and nursing staff from The Alfred also provide care to our community from our sites. We also have existing partnerships for pathways of care in place with The Alfred for patients requiring more complex care.”
BCH’s Memorandum of Understanding with The Alfred is now in its sixth year and includes Surgery, Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Haematology, Sub-Acute, Pathology and Cardiology.
“We also know that most people in our community already have strong ties with metropolitan Melbourne for health, services, shopping and family, and so being part of a formalised network with these metropolitan health services is a logical, effective and efficient option for our community,” Ms Alexander said.
“A Bayside alliance will also allow us to better meet the needs of the Waterline communities of Coronet Bay, Corinella, Grantville, Pioneer Bay and Jam Jerrup, through a more connected health system. “Routine care for patients will be done as close to home as possible, sooner and with better outcomes. Patients with more complicated care needs will have greater access to specialist services, including the latest technology and treatments from major hospitals and specialist staff.”
Bass Coast Health said in a statement this week that it remains committed to maintaining the strong ties it has with our surrounding health services to ensure accessible healthcare for our community. Patients in the Bass Coast, it said, will also benefit from the $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital and upgraded paediatric services at Peninsula Health.
The next step will see health services and the Department of Health consult with workforces and communities about the immediate priorities of each Network. This consultation will enable stakeholders to share insights into the barriers and opportunities that matter to them most. The networks are due to come into effect from July 1, 2025.
