Leading hospitals join forces

Geelong’s two largest hospitals have agreed to work together in a landmark relationship agreement.
Barwon Health and St John of God Health Care said the agreement was the first of its kind between the two health services.
Hospital chiefs said it would see the organisations working in partnership to ensure the best possible health outcomes for people in the Geelong and surrounding region.
The agreement includes a commitment to share best practice to improve patient safety and quality for the community.
The collaboration extends to sharing data, analytics and learning to ensure the most appropriate services are delivered to meet the needs of the community.
Barwon Health Board Chair Dr John Stekelenburg said the mutually beneficial agreement would support the growth and sustainability of each organisation while streamlining and enhancing patient experience.
“Barwon Health is proud to collaborate with St John of God Health Care for the betterment of health outcomes for people in Geelong and the surrounding region,” Dr Stekelenburg said.
“Partnership and collaboration are foundational values underpinning our relationship agreement, and this allows for both organisations to better explore opportunities where we can work together and develop integrated health services.”
St John of God Health Care Board Chair, Tony Howarth, said the organisation was passionate about the provision of high quality healthcare and that deeper partnering with Barwon Health would greatly benefit the community.
“We are deeply committed to regional communities across Victoria, and we see enormous benefit in committing to a relationship with Barwon Health that is founded on a spirit of partnership and collaboration. This is a great initiative,” Mr Howarth said.