Alpine Health is making it easier for people to access care closer to home through a strengthened partnership with Northeast Health Wangaratta.
Mount Beauty Hospital will continue as the primary campus for surgical care at Alpine Health, with monthly orthopaedic surgery now available locally — reducing the need for people to travel for common procedures such as carpal tunnel release and bunion surgery.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Anton Lambers, who lives in Bright, will lead the service and also offer consulting clinics locally. Dr Lambers works across Northeast Health Wangaratta and Wangaratta Private Hospital, supporting continuity of care from consultation through to surgery and follow-up.
Dr Lambers said local access to care improves the overall experience for patients.
“Being able to deliver care locally makes the experience easier for patients and their families,” he said.
Interim Chief Executive Officer Cameron Butler said the partnership reflects Alpine Health’s commitment to accessible, person-centred care.
“Access to care close to home reduces stress, keeps people connected to their supports, and helps improve recovery,” Mr Butler said.
Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Health Wangaratta, Libby Fifis, said strong regional partnerships play an important role in improving access to care.
“Working closely with Alpine Health helps bring specialist surgical care into the local community, reducing the need for patients to travel and supporting better outcomes,” Ms Fifis said.
Alpine Health will continue to explore opportunities to expand local surgical services in the future.