Bayside merger and Local Health Service Networks – what you need to know

Last updated 2 July 2025.

Victoria’s Local Health Service Networks begin 1 July

Local Health Service Networks (LHSN) commenced operation from 1 July 2025. This is part of the government’s Health Service reform plan that will see the creation of 12 new local health service networks.

Bass Coast Health is part of the Bayside Local Health Service Network, which will link the five health services that will become part of Bayside Health (working title) along with Calvary Health Care Bethlehem. 

This is separate to our merged health service which will start operation from 1 January 2026. You can read more about the Local Health Service Networks on the health department’s website.
 

Voluntary merger - Bayside Health (working title)

From 1 January 2026, Bass Coast Health (BCH) and Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) are excited to be part of the new health service, Bayside Health (working title).

After extensive review and discussions, the boards of both health services decided to merge voluntarily with Alfred Health, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health. The new health service will remain part of the Bayside Local Health Service Network, which will include Calvary Health Care Bethlehem.

The new health service will become part of a progressive new health service delivering improved healthcare to the communities of south-east metropolitan Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, into the rural area of Cardinia Shire, the northern part of Western Port Bay, South Gippsland and the Bass Coast.

As a member of our community, the merger will bring you greater access to more complex care, with more specialist options, ensuring a seamless experience.

While the merger will come into effect on 1 January 2026, it will take some time to fully implement.

We’ve also been committed to ensuring services meet your needs and will continue to do so as the merger is implemented.

Our staff will also benefit, with greater career development opportunities, like working with a range of experienced clinicians and practitioners, if they choose to do so. This will ultimately benefit you.

Along with our staff, you’ll be engaged throughout the process, as we build even stronger relationships across Bayside Health.

We already work closely with our health service partners to help patients across Victoria. This merger is the next step in strengthening these partnerships, making healthcare more accessible and efficient, while ensuring better patient outcomes.

Stay tuned for further updates as planning progresses.

In the media:

basscoasthealth.org.au/news/bass-coast-health-and-gippsland-southern-health-service-join-merger