Community
29 November, 2024
SWH reports first deficit, increased revenue
SOUTH West Healthcare (SWH) has recently tabled its annual report in Parliament, recording increased revenue as well as its first deficit in years.
SWH reported an operating deficit – before capital items - of $22 million, which reflects rising costs and increased demand for services.
“Disappointingly, after achieving consistent operating surpluses over many years, the operating result, before capital items, did deteriorate in 2023-24,” the report states.
“This reflects an increase in costs associated with the continuing growth in service provision and demand.
“The success SWH has had in responding to that demand is best demonstrated by the increase in staff employed with an additional 76 full time staff employed in June 2024 when compared to June 2023.
“Whilst the operating deficit reflects the extremely challenging financial environment, the success in recruitment to key positions and the continued expansion of services does place SWH in a really strong position to continue to respond positively to the communities needs in 2024-25.”
The growth in service provision and demand included 28,164 people treated in Warrnambool Emergency Department and Camperdown Urgent Care Centre, 26,678 inpatients across both Camperdown and Warrnambool campuses, and 768 babies born in Camperdown and Warrnambool.
Despite the operating deficit, SWH saw an increase in operating revenue from $294 million to $330 million as well as a transaction surplus of $27.1 million.
The transaction surplus reflected strong capital investment, with $63.2 million of assets being procured.
The report showed SWH recorded 96.7 per cent of patients reporting a positive experience when using its services, with many improvements implemented throughout the 2023-2024 year.
“The recent completion of the $1.5 million patient engagement and entertainment system upgrade for both the Warrnambool and Camperdown hospitals, has delivered 209 bedside TVs, and significantly enhanced comfort,” the report states.
In addition, SWH received a donation of $46,831 from the Camperdown and District Hospital Auxiliary to purchase a cardiotocography (CTG) machine.
Another highlight for the year has been the construction of the new $39.6 million Camperdown Residential Aged Care facility, which began in November 2023.
The appeal, which aims to raise $562,000 to equip, furnish and enhance the facility, was able to pass the half way mark 11 weeks after the appeal was launched in March 2024.
This has included a $6071 contribution from the South West Healthcare Workplace Giving Program.
Other achievements for SWH for the year have included achieving an additional three years accreditation for Merindah Lodge under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, with accreditation to transfer to the new facility upon opening in mid-2025, and Camperdown Hospital being accredited in line with National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards.
“Promotion of the benefits of regional training has been an ongoing focus with the introduction of the Hospital Medical Officer program at our Camperdown campus,” the report states.
“A welcome relief to our local GPs in the area, this medical workforce model provides invaluable rural generalist training to junior medical staff.
“The additional medical workforce means there is a trainee doctor onsite during the day which assists to improve the care of urgent care and inpatients at Camperdown Hospital.”
SWH is also looking to the future, with plans to improve management and clinical systems at Camperdown Hospital to optimise throughput, length of stay and occupancy.
Plans are also underway for a redevelopment of the Camperdown precinct, with the report showing SWH is aiming to progress the business case to finalisation, progress aged care to stage one, and work on realising a Camperdown Masterplan to ensure future demand is planned for and can be delivered.
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