Campaspe Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the health and wellbeing of local families by planning a transition to a new model for the delivery of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Immunisation Services. Having considered the outcome of extensive community and staff consultation, Council is committed to supporting young families to access essential pre- and post-natal care through supportive health services.
Referring the delivery of the MCH service to the State Government and transitioning the Immunisation service to an external provider ensures the highest standards of care, clinical governance and professional support to nurses.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell said the decision reflects a future-focused approach to child and family health delivery.
"Our consultation process highlighted community trust in the services but also validated the benefits that could be gained through specialised service delivery and integration within health settings. This decision is about strengthening access to accessible, well managed and consistent services for children and families across our shire," he said.
The key recommendations include increased support to families and nurses with the MCH services being delivered by State Government appointed local health services into the future whilst authorising access to Council-owned facilities if needed by the new provider. This transition will ensure the community continues to conveniently receive essential services.
The Victorian Government will undertake its own assessment and announce a new MCH provider. Until a transition occurs Council will continue to deliver services to ensure a seamless transition.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell noted that Council's priority is to ensure that families in Campaspe Shire have continuity of access to high-quality, sustainable care.
"Once the state government makes the decision, Council staff will work closely with the new provider to ensure any change is well managed through a partnership approach to protect the interests of all.
"By transitioning to external providers, we can better manage the complexities and risks associated with delivering these vital services," he said.
Similarly, Council will Undertake a procurement process for the delivery of Immunisation services into the future, recognising that high clinical standards, accreditation and risk oversight are more appropriately managed by specialised providers. Council has endorsed officers to begin the formal process to appoint a suitable external provider.
"Our consultation process with service providers and the community confirmed the feasibility of alternate service providers delivering these specialised health services.
"The safety and wellbeing of our community are paramount. By partnering with specialised health providers, we can ensure that our immunisation services are delivered with the highest standards of clinical governance and efficiency," he added.
Council's decision to transition the delivery of Maternal Child Health and Immunisation Services to external health care providers reflects current trends in the local government sector and prioritises community wellbeing, while also enhancing clinical governance, broader service integration, and long-term sustainability.
"By adopting these recommendations, we aim to ensure sustainable, high-quality care for families in our shire," Cr Mackrell said.
