Melbourne hospital under fire over decision to prioritise certain postcodes

A Melbourne hospital’s decision to restrict specialist appointments to patients from certain suburbs has drawn the ire of doctors around the state.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital said a surge in demand has forced it to limit specialist services to inner-city residents living in its local catchment areas.

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The change will mean only new patients living in the Merri-bek, Moonee Valley and Melbourne local government areas will qualify for specialist appointments.

It is understood existing outpatient referrals will still be honoured and that RMH will continue providing care to patients where the nearest suitable service is at one of its clinics.

“The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is proud to deliver world-class care to the Victorian community every day,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“While the RMH provides some statewide specialist services to all Victorians, such as emergency and trauma care, other specialist services are focused on our catchment area.

“Where appropriate, patients may be supported to access the same high-quality care closer to home, through their local health service.

“This helps ensure our services are available to those who need them most across the state.”

GPs claim this change could lock regional patients out of critical treatment at the major hospital.

Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Victoria co-deputy chair Dr Aadhil Aziz said that while it is important for hospitals to adequately serve their local communities, many Victorians living outside of Melbourne are facing long waiting lists at their local clinics.

He warned against hospitals being “strict” about applications and turning patients down simply due to their postcode.

“We’re not saying don’t look after your own turf, but there is a lot of overflow across the state of Victoria,” Aziz told 9News.

“These are Victorian hospitals funded by Victorians, and we would like Victorians to have access to them.

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“It’s really important that we don’t forget about our rural and remote and regional Victorians ... and people who are out of your postcode, because your access to healthcare should not depend on your postcode.”

In the 2025-26 financial year, there was a 21 per cent increase in the number of Victorians needing outpatient care at the RMH.

The RMH operates 340 specialist clinics.

The hospital said in 2022 that more than 45,000 patients are transferred there from regional Victoria and outer suburbs.