Western Health is today celebrating one year since the successful amalgamation with the former Djerriwarrh Health Services, now known as our Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Caroline Springs campuses.
The neighbouring health services merged on July 1, 2021, combining the expertise of more than 11,000 healthcare professionals and reinforcing the already extensive network of patient services – all with the aim of providing Best Care for the communities of Melbourne's west.
Western Health Chief Executive Russell Harrison thanked the staff across Bacchus Marsh Hospital, Grant Lodge Aged Care, and the Community Centres in Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Caroline Springs, for their hard work, commitment and dedication.
"As we continue to work through the transition period, the focus of everyone here at Western Health has always remained on our most important priority – our patients," Mr Harrison said.
"Thanks to all of our staff – both those who have recently joined and our long-term staff members – for your ongoing commitment. Together we aim to provide the best possible care for families and communities right across the western suburbs."
Across this first year many milestones have been reached, including the recruitment of more than 100 staff at Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Caroline Springs, as well as a series of building upgrades across those sites.
Recently we received the great news that the State Government would fund an additional $3.75 million for upgrades for Grant Lodge, providing private bedrooms and bathrooms for all residents. The installation of new patient chairs in Melton Health's renal dialysis unit has been another highlight.
Among those marking the occasion is Colson Millson and his parents, Kimberley Varga and Lachlan Millson. Colson was born at Bacchus Marsh Hospital on July 1 last year – the very first day of the amalgamation – and returned to celebrate the dual birthdays. It was great to see Colson enjoying his birthday cake!
At our Melton campus, nurses Maree Bell and Alannah Borg were also reflecting on what they love about their careers, and the satisfaction they get from caring for their local Melton community.
Maree has spent more than three decades working for both Western Health and Djerriwarrh Health services. She started at Sunshine Hospital in 1990 after migrating to Australia, before moving to Melton Health in 2002. She is now working as a diabetes educator.
Alannah was born and raised in Melton and is now a graduate nurse at Western Health. She is currently working in the Melton dialysis unit.
