Health merger: community concern, confusion and scepticism

A MAJOR community survey conducted by Murrindindi Shire Council across Alexandra, Yea, and surrounding towns has revealed a range of views, with a majority expressing concern, confusion and scepticism about the proposed voluntary amalgamation between Alexandra District Health (ADH) and Eastern Health (EH). Conducted over 16 days and attracting 278 responses, the survey provides a statistically significant snapshot of community sentiment.

Responses came from across the shire, with the largest number from Alexandra (55 per cent) and Yea (43 per cent).

Across all questions and themes, 64 to 67 per cent of respondents were opposed or strongly opposed to the amalgamation, expressing concerns about the potential loss of local services, leadership, and community identity.

Common concerns included fears that the amalgamation would become a “backdoor forced takeover,” the potential loss of the ADH CEO and board, decisions being shifted to Melbourne, closures or downgrading of services, how this impacts Yea and District Memorial Hospital and its future, loss of local autonomy, and poor communication with no clear plan.

Many respondents also referred to past negative experiences, such as the Healesville downgrade and issues within Grampians Health.

Around 20 to 25 per cent of respondents were unsure or confused about what the amalgamation’s implications, with many stating they did not understand the difference between amalgamation and a partnership, felt they had not received enough information, the consultation period was too short, and could not form an opinion without a detailed plan.

A smaller group (12 to 14 per cent) indicated conditional support, contingent on guarantees such as service protection, local representation, and evidence of actual improvement.

Only a minority, 10 to 12 per cent, strongly supported amalgamation, citing potential benefits including increased sustainability, access to specialists, workforce development, and trust..

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