South-west Victoria health services to merge from April 2026

The hospital’s urgent care centre will expand onsite and virtual care services.

The Western District Health Service and Casterton Memorial Hospital in south-west Victoria, Australia, are set to merge effective 1 April 2026 following approval from Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas.

Under the arrangement, the hospital’s urgent care centre will receive support to expand on-site and virtual care services, including improved out-of-hours and weekend pharmacy access and post-operative support.

“This will make it easier for locals to access the care they need, closer to home,” Thomas said.

Staff will retain their existing employment conditions, and all hospitals and healthcare sites will continue to operate under their current names.