The bombshell revelation is contained in the resignation letter of board member Tim Farrah obtained by The Border Mail.

Mr Farrah said the AWH board's "true position" in being a willing participant in exploring a merger and subsequent denial of such a move had sparked his resignation.

"Events of the past week where I believe that the AWH board's true position into the process of evaluating a merger with other North-East Victorian health services has been misrepresented in the public domain by the chair and subsequently the chair and board's unwillingness to inform the community that a motion was indeed passed by the board to enter into the process of due diligence of such a merger, leaves me with no option but to resign from my appointment as a member of the AWH board," Mr Farrah wrote.

AWH board chairman Matt Burke told The Border Mail last week there was no feasibility study or due diligence being carried out into a merger of the Albury-Wodonga, Wangaratta and Benalla health services before calling a special board meeting last Friday to discuss the matter.

Following the board meeting, Mr Burke said in a statement: "The board continuously reviews models, proposals and options that present opportunities to improve and expand healthcare services for our community.

"However, decisions to pursue any models of care (collaborative or otherwise) will only ever be made on the basis they improve access to and quality of care for both Albury and Wodonga (and local border) communities."

Mr Farrah resigned from the AWH board at the weekend.

His resignation letter was sent to Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley whose department has also repeatedly hosed down reports of a "formal process" into exploring a merger being agreed to.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy confirmed he was also sent a copy of the resignation letter.

"It's sad to hear of Tim's resignation," he said.

"He has always had a strong record of advocacy on behalf of residents and businesses.

"The contents of the letter are deeply concerning and given they are now in the public domain the community is entitled to know what has been going on.

"I trust the board will act appropriately."

IN OTHER NEWS

AWH repeated its original comment when quizzed on contents of Mr Farrah's resignation letter by The Border Mail.

"Albury Wodonga Health has always worked closely with health services in the Hume Region via many different partnership structures, to ensure the best health outcomes for the community," AWH chairman Matt Burke repeated.

Meanwhile, member for Benambra Bill Tilley said the resignation letter raised "some serious concerns".

"I have the greatest respect for Tim Farrah, his business acumen and governance would be a massive loss to any board, let alone one as important as Albury Wodonga Health," Mr Tilley said.

"The resignation letter raises some serious concerns, not just for me but for the whole community.

"It also appears at odds with the press release that came from Albury Wodonga Health last weekend.

"The air needs to be cleared.

"I have taken the liberty to speak with the Victorian Health Minister in parliament this week and from those brief discussions he appears to be very aware of this issue.

"I just want the best health service for our communities, one that focuses on the people of Albury Wodonga and not being drawn down rabbit holes."

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