MEDIA RELEASE: 20 January 2025
Nexus Primary Health (Nexus) and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) are excited to share the first step to explore the creation of a stronger, more resilient community health service for people who live in Hume, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie local government areas.
On Monday 13 January 2025, Nexus transitioned to a governance structure led by SCCH. While both organisations remain separate entities, they will be governed by the same board, and Nexus’ Chief Executive Officer will report to SCCH’s Chief Executive Officer, allowing the organisations to better explore the potential community benefits of a merger.
Joint Board Chair, Peter Donlon, said that governance transition is an exciting step in exploring the creation of a unified health service and that over the coming months both organisations will focus on better understanding each other to see how health outcomes and services could be improved through a merger.
“Each organisation would need to be satisfied with the outcomes of this due diligence process before any decision to merge is made. For the time being, it is business as usual, with no changes to workforce or service delivery, as we continue to deliver quality care to our clients and communities, "said Mr Donlon.
Mr Donlon also said that consultation with staff and key stakeholders will be a key part of this process.
"Staff are the backbone of both organisations, and we're committed to keeping teams informed every step of the way. Any decision to merge would involve extensive consultation with staff and key stakeholders, with all steps following enterprise agreements, awards and other workplace requirements."
Nexus’s Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Ciccosillo said the decision by both services’ Boards to explore a merger reflects a shared commitment to improving access to safe, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare and community services across the organisations’ catchment areas.
“With a strong history of collaboration through initiatives like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health, both Nexus and SCCH are dedicated to delivering better outcomes for the communities we serve,” said Mr Ciccosillo.
“The healthcare sector continues to face significant challenges, including growing demand for services, workforce shortages, and financial pressures. By exploring this merger, we are aiming to strengthen our capacity to meet these challenges head-on and ensure we remain well-positioned to deliver essential services to the community now and into the future.”
SCCH’s Chief Executive Officer, David Wild, said that while this is just the beginning of the process, both organisations remain focused on delivering the high standard of care clients have come to expect.
“A strong local community focus will be maintained throughout this process to ensure the unique needs of each community are met. Continuity of care for clients remains a top priority every step of the way,” Mr Wild.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this exploration could bring, and we will continue to share updates as they become available. Together, we're committed to delivering better, more connected healthcare for our communities into the future."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
What is happening at Nexus Primary Health?
On Monday 13 January 2025, Nexus Primary Health (Nexus) transitioned to a governance structure led by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH). While both organisations remain separate entities, they will be governed by the same board, and Nexus’ CEO will report to SCCH’s CEO, allowing us to better explore the potential community benefits of a merger.
While both organisations remain separate entities, this governance change is an exciting opportunity that will us to better explore the potential community benefits of a merger.
When will this change take effect?
This change came into effect on Monday 13 January 2025.
Has Nexus Primary Health worked with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health before?
Yes, Nexus and SCCH have a strong history of collaboration through initiatives like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health. Both organisations are dedicated to delivering better outcomes for the communities we serve.
Why is a merger being explored?
Nexus and SCCH are exploring the potential community benefits of a merger in line with our shared commitment to improving access to safe, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare and community services across our catchment areas.
We have a strong history of collaboration through initiatives like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health, and both organisations are dedicated to delivering better outcomes for the communities we serve.
While this is the first step in the process, we’re excited about the opportunities this exploration could bring, and we will continue to share updates as they become available. Together, we’re committed to delivering better, more connected healthcare for our communities into the future.
What will happen to Nexus Primary Health’s clients?
For the time being, it is business as usual, with no changes to workforce or service delivery, as we continue to deliver quality care to our clients and communities.
Both organisations will remain separate entities and continue to operate as they do now, ensuring there is no change to the services clients receive.
Will staff lose their jobs because of the governance change?
There will be no impact on jobs at either organisation as a result of the governance change.
What is happening to Nexus Primary Health’s board?
Nexus’ board has dissolved, and the organisation will now be governed by the same board as SCCH.
Why are Nexus Primary Health and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health continuing to operate as independent entities?
Nexus Primary Health and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health are continuing to operate as independent entities so that we can explore the potential community benefits of a merger.