by Yvette Brand
Maintaining local community connections were among the factors behind a shift in West Gippsland Healthcare Group's preference to be aligned with a Gippsland health network.
An alliance with Monash Health was recommended in the draft health service networks announced in August.
But, after a shift in position by WGHG, the State Government's final reshuffle placed West Gippsland services within the Gippsland Local Health Service Network (LHSN).
Serving a population of 248,000, the Gippsland network also includes Latrobe Regional Hospital, South Gippsland Hospital, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Central Gippsland Health Service (Sale), Omeo District Health, Orbost Regional Health and Yarram and District Health Service.
WGHG acting chief executive officer Justin Walsh said the board's preferred outcome was an alliance with Gippsland and it was happy with the result.
He said the board's position shifted after the initial announcement in August as more information came to light.

He said health organisations had an opportunity to assess the draft