Hospital budget safe from cuts
THE new West Moreton Health and Hospital Board expects to receive its $373 million budget allocation, despite other health districts being asked to trim their costs.
Reports surfaced yesterday of the newly formed Metro North district being told to find savings in their budgets.
But board chairperson Dr Mary Corbett said the initial budget allocation would not be altered - at this stage.
The 2012-13 financial year costings will be finalised in September.
If the figure remains the same, it will be a $20 million increase on the previous financial year's allocation.
Dr Corbett said the previous West Moreton Health Service District finished last financial year in the red.
"Due to unanticipated health service needs and increase in activity the previous district did end with a financial deficit," she said.
"I'm aware a significant amount of work has occurred to date with health service executive and it is evident we will be looking towards further efficiencies and service redesign to ensure we deliver on budget."
Health district boards were reintroduced this year to give communities more say on the direction of their health services. Yesterday, the newly appointed board members, Dr Bob McGregor, Melinda Parcell, Paul Casos and Tim Eltham, met for the first time.
Dr Mary Corbett said board members were excited to be commencing their roles and working towards improving accessibility to health services.
"The board has a full agenda for Friday's meeting. This includes discussing the upcoming Accreditation of the Hospital and Health Service, strategic planning session, the progress of the budget and performance measures and various governance matters.
"We will be accountable for West Moreton Hospital and Health Service's performance and establishing and maintaining effective systems to ensure health services meet the needs of our community."
She said the decisions made in board meetings would be shared publicly.
The board had an orientation day last week and will see different sites around West Moreton as board meetings are held in different locations.
ANNUAL COSTS
The West Moreton Health Service District budget for 2011-12 financial year was $353 million.
The board members will be paid an annual salary of $29,898, with Dr Corbett receiving a salary of $60,830.
