Bayside Health merger to benefit 1.2 million Victorians
About the merger
Introducing Bayside Health: a new era in healthcare
In December, Alfred Health announced a voluntary merger with Peninsula Health and Kooweerup Regional Health Service, effective 1 January 2026.
This was followed in February by Bass Coast Health and Gippsland Southern Health Service joining the merger. Together, these five organisations have formed Bayside Health – a new health service dedicated to delivering exceptional care across Melbourne’s south and Bayside, extending through to the Bass Coast and Gippsland regions.
This decision reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for our communities by working collaboratively and combining resources to provide better access, innovation, and quality care.
Another key driver behind the merger is the opportunity to strengthen our health workforce across the entire catchment. As Bayside Health, we will offer expanded career pathways, education programs, and research opportunities – all within one integrated health service. This means more support, growth, and collaboration for our employees, and ultimately, better care for our communities.
A collaborative transition for a stronger future
The merger builds on a long history of collaboration between these health services, where shared specialties such as surgery, neurology, and cardiology already exist. To guide this transition, a Bayside Health Transition Steering Committee was established, comprising Board Chairs, a Board Director, and Chief Executives from each merging health service.
Eight dedicated workstreams have been formed to plan and coordinate the changes required for Bayside Health to begin operations in January 2026.
Importantly, the names of all hospitals and facilities will remain unchanged, continuing to deliver high-quality care to their patients and local communities. This comprehensive transition process, supported by our talented workforce, ensures Bayside Health will deliver better health outcomes and improved patient experiences for the extended community.
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