NORTH-EAST: District left ‘in limbo’
The State Government must come clean on who is in charge and where the Alexandra District Health–Eastern Health merger is heading, says Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.
Ms McLeish is backing concerns raised by Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier (pictured).
Ms McLeish said the Alexandra community is being left in limbo: “This is a small, close-knit community that relies on its local health service – and right now, people simply don’t know what the future looks like,” she said.
“First, the merger proposal came as a shock to many. Now, with both CEOs retiring, there are real questions about who is steering this process.”
Alexandra District Health employs around 120 staff and plays a critical role not only in healthcare delivery but also in the local economy.
Ms McLeish said many residents remain concerned the merger could see local decision-making diluted within a much larger metropolitan system.
“People here are not opposed to better services – but they want guarantees that Alexandra won’t lose its identity or its voice,” she said.
“This is about maintaining accessible, local care for Murrindindi residents.”
Ms McLeish said the uncertainty is being felt at every level of the community — from patients and families through to staff.
“After a difficult period for this region, including the Longwood fires, the last thing this
community needs is more uncertainty,” she said.
“The Government must be upfront with people — who is leading this merger, what it means for services on the ground, and how local needs will be protected.”
Ms McLeish said she will continue to advocate for transparency and for the interests of residents and health workers.