Victoria’s health system is no longer fit for purpose and there must be fundamental change to improve care, according to a stark expert review.

It calls for the state’s 76 health services to be grouped into 11 networks with new boards and chief executives, however the Victoria government has already ruled out forced hospital mergers.

“We have learnt about how (they) have unclear roles and responsibilities, and undertake duplicated effort,” states the final report from an expert advisory panel.

“It is clear our health services and workforce are under pressure, and that now is the time for change.”

On Wednesday, the state government announced a $1.5 billion funding injection for Victorian hospitals to meet record demand and confirmed there would be no hospital mergers under new funding arrangements.

Funding negotiations for the 2024-25 financial year had fuelled speculation health services in Victoria’s regions would face forced amalgamations.

The report’s recommendation to build “health networks” spanned both regional and metro hospitals, including a proposal to consolidate Peter Mac, Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital under a single network.

“The committee proposes these four health services consolidate into a central network to facilitate seamless care for patients across the entire lifespan from birth to old age, and for patients with complex conditions,” the report says.

“Despite these deep clinical connections, the separate legal status of the organisations precludes seamless transitions of patients between hospitals, who have to be discharged and readmitted as they move across the site for care.”

The report found the state’s health department failed to consistently fulfil its role as a system steward, and was often bogged down by managing issues related to the 76 separate health services.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary Anne Thomas are set to address the media in Epping on Thursday morning.

– AAP