The accreditation means GV Health is now recognised as a training site where medical trainees can complete six months of their ICU training as part of their pathway to becoming intensive care specialists.
GV Health ICU Clinical Director Dr Prashant Pruthi explained the significance of the accreditation.
“In Australia, ICU training is governed by the College of Intensive Care Medicine,” he said.
“To become an intensive care consultant, trainees must complete a structured program that includes rotations across different disciplines, exams, formal projects, and workshops.
“Now, doctors training here can complete six months of officially recognised ICU training, which counts toward their fellowship.
“That’s a big step.”
Previously, GV Health’s ICU was only recognised for rural and regional exposure, not formal training.
The accreditation confirms the unit has reached a standard comparable to other training hospitals in the state, thanks to improvements in patient outcomes, staffing, services, and teaching capacity.
Dr Raj Kumar Satyavolu, a senior ICU consultant at GV Health, added context.
“This puts us alongside other accredited regional hospitals like Bendigo,” he said.
“Hospitals are classified by the College according to their capacity, large metro hospitals like Alfred and Royal Melbourne can offer 24 months of accredited training.
“We’ve now achieved six, significant for a regional hospital.”
Both doctors acknowledged the work of their predecessors and colleagues.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without Dr Charlie Corke, our previous ICU Director,” said Dr Pruthi.
“He established this unit, led it for many years, and set the foundation that allowed us to reach this level.
“Lastly, the ongoing development of this program would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of the GV Health executive team.
“Their commitment to education and excellence in patient care is deeply appreciated.”
Dr Juan Carlos Mora, who currently serves as the Supervisor of Training and is responsible for the teaching and development of junior doctors working in the unit, was also acknowledged for significant contributions.
His ongoing commitment to education and clinical leadership is highly valued, the physicians said.
Accreditation is based on strict criteria: the number and complexity of patients, medical staffing, teaching capacity, and patient outcomes.
The process took over 12 months and included a paper submission, peer benchmarking through the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, and a site inspection from the college.
“This is not just good news for our department,” Dr Satyavolu said.
“It’s a positive step for GV Health, our patients, and the broader community.
“It helps us attract high-quality trainees, maintain a high standard of care, and build a strong regional ICU service.”
