In July, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Stawell Regional Health, Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services submitted their merger proposal to the state government.

According to Stawell Regional Health, on average only 12 of the 26 beds at Stawell Regional Hospital are used each day.

Additionally, the aged care occupancy sits at 55 per cent and wait times are extended for outpatient allied health services including physiotherapy and podiatry.

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Stawell Regional Health chief executive officer Kate Pryde said the proposed new health service intended to fill and build on service gaps, leading to more career opportunities and roles for staff and better choices of services for the community.

"A stronger, better resourced, nursing and service staff in Stawell can drive the town's healthcare, and contribute to population growth and our community's economy," Ms Pryde said.

"Community members currently wear the economic burden of having to travel outside of our district for care, resulting in lost time at work, transport costs of petrol and parking, and sometimes accommodation costs.

"Increasing the service provision and improving the integration of services across the region can reduce these costs and support local retailers and other businesses."

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Should the proposal be approved, the health services will undertake joint planning, looking at all services currently delivered and understand how best to fill gaps and what are the best opportunities for enhanced services.

"Once the patient transfer and transport systems and processes between the health services are implemented the benefits will be ongoing, giving security to our facility and ensuring Stawell Regional Hospital provides sustainable health services well into the future," Ms Pryde said.

For more information on how the proposed health entity will work and to have your say visit the Care For Our Region website.

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