THE Ararat office of Medicare Local will remain open under a new Primary Health Network which will replace Grampians Medicare Local from July 1.
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Minister for Health and Minister for Sport Sussan Ley announced last weekend that Barwon Medicare Local's bid to run a Primary Health Network (PHN) across Western Victoria had been successful.
The new region replaces the three Medicare Local areas which include Grampians, Barwon, and Great South Coast.
The PHN will aim to capitalise on local expertise and serve the needs of Grampians region communities and stakeholders and the transition will take place from July 1.
"The PHN for Western Victoria will build on the work undertaken by the three Medicare Locals, with a greater emphasis on increasing the effectiveness of medical services for patients, providing coordinated and efficient access to local health services, particularly for those at risk of poor health outcomes," Grampians Medicare Local's CEO Andrew McPherson said.
"We are very proud to have managed past changes from the Ballarat and District and West Vic Divisions of General Practice to Grampians Medicare Local in 2012."
"There will be regional centres in Horsham, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Geelong and services will continue in Ararat.
PHN management and staff will be based at each location where their efforts will be underpinned by their strong relationships with general practice and the many community and health service organisations they partner with in caring for their patients."
"The new PHN will build on the legacy begun by Medicare Locals and take up the challenge to support and promote innovative opportunities for those at risk of poor health outcomes to achieve better health."
Mr McPherson thanked all member organisations and health professionals for their partnership and involvement with Grampians Medicare Local through its programs and services since 2012.
"We thank the many Grampians region supporters of the Barwon Medicare Local application to run the PHN for Western Victoria including GPs, practice nurses, allied health and health and community. Special thanks to Ballarat Health Services, West Wimmera Health Service, Deakin University, GMHBA, Barwon Health, and South West Health Care for their contribution to the PHN tender success," he said.
"I acknowledge the work of the Barwon Medicare Local Board and management teams for their leadership during the formation of the tender. We look forward to continuing to work together through the PHN transition.
"I also acknowledge our staff. They have shown great resilience and commitment to delivering our programs and services despite the uncertain times over the past 12 months."