The networks aim to improve co-operation between health services, increase the availability of health professionals and better manage wait lists.
Following consultations, 12 networks of hospitals and health services have been determined by region, including Loddon Mallee.
Echuca Regional Health, Rochester and Elmore District Health Service, and Cohuna District Hospital will be part of 13 services in the Loddon Mallee network from July 1.
Boort, Heathcote, Kerang, Swan Hill and Mildura are also included in the network, among other towns.
Bendigo Health will continue to provide the most complex care in the region, which is forecast to serve 334,000 Victorians and over 9000 people in NSW by next year.
A similar unincorporated partnership is already in place for the region, which was considered in the government’s network announcement.
There will be no changes to local health service governance, board members and chief executives, community connection, or identity, according to the government.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the reforms would support health services to provide better care.
“These networks will mean stronger referral pathways between health services — freeing up beds in busier hospitals, taking pressure off our dedicated workforce, and ensuring Victorians get care sooner, closer to home,” Ms Thomas said.
“This is about expanding access to frontline services, particularly in regional and rural Victoria.”
Health services in each network will now discuss priorities, focusing on patient access and flow, workforce, clinical governance and sustainability.
The government expects the networks to begin sharing support services and back-office functions, such as data entry and payroll.
State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said local jobs could be threatened by merging regional health services.
“Strong, locally managed health services are vital for ensuring timely care and meeting the unique demands of regional Victorians,” Mr Walsh said.
“Our regional communities deserve more than being treated like second-class citizens and their local health services stripped of their autonomy.”
He also raised concerns the announcement was the first step towards forced amalgamations of health services.
“This is merger by stealth. The Nationals raised that alarm more than a year ago, and now here it is,” Mr Walsh said.
In August last year, the government said it would not force health services to merge, rejecting a recommendation from the Expert Advisory Committee.
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