Yarriambiack Shire Council has commenced formal discussions with West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) in relation to the transition of Maternal Child Health Services.
WWHS currently delivers Maternal Child Health Services within the Hindmarsh Shire, and covers pregnancy care, post birth care, child health checks and parenting support.
In addition, WWHS offers the Hindmarsh Day Stay and Positive Parenting Centre that supports families with any parenting issues that arise with their baby or toddler, including settling, sleep, feeding, development and behaviour. This service has been a game changer for parents in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee, who no longer have to travel too much further afield for support.
WWHS provides additional services for families, including allied health professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and early parenting practitioners. This enhances collaboration when supporting a family and child within the region.
Yarriambiack Shire Council wishes to enhance the MCH services offered across our Shire, and recognises that as a Council we cannot offer support services that complement MCH services, and we also do not have in house capacity to offer clinical governance support and guidance within this specialised healthcare area. As a highly reputable health service, WWHS is better placed to support our staff now and into the future.
WWHS has confirmed they can offer the services across the whole of the Yarriambiack footprint, and do not wish to change the structure of the current service delivery model. WWHS wishes to retain the services of the Council staff, who are highly respected within the Yarriambiack community, and that WWHS will continue to offer the services in Minyip, Murtoa, Rupanyup, Warracknabeal, Beulah, Hopetoun, Patchewollock, Tempy, Yaapeet and Woomelang.
Yarriambiack Shire Council is committed to improving the outcomes for our youngest residents across the shire and region. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child and family has access to consistent, high-quality early years health services that are essential for the development and well-being of children. To achieve this, we believe it is necessary to have a champion provider, supported by the Council, to deliver these crucial services and enhance the outcomes for our children.
We acknowledge that providing health-related services is not our core function. However, we recognize that our region is home to a highly reputable and capable health care provider that can deliver superior quality services to our community.
We are enthusiastic about collaborating with our esteemed Maternal and Child Health nurses and the WWHS to provide an elevated level of service, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for our community.
The transition is proposed to occur by 01 April 2025, and the Council is seeking feedback from the Community on this proposal.
You are invited to provide feedback by 5pm Monday 20 January 2025 via the Have Your Say form below, or alternatively, you can send feedback marked attention to the CEO, Yarriambiack Shire Council, PO Box 243 Warracknabeal 3393.
Have your say by completing our online form here.