On behalf of the Board of Management it gives me much pleasure to present the 2005 Annual Report of the Wimmera Health Care Group. It has been a year of significant achievement and one that has been a turning point for the organisation. Through the commitment of my fellow Board members and staff the Health Care Group has continued in its mission of achieving the best health for all the people of the Wimmera.
Executive Leadership
The year has witnessed ongoing change in the Executive leadership of the organisation with the resignation of long standing Director of Clinical Services Ms. Wendy Lewis. Over the 18 year period of Wendy’s appointment she was instrumental in leading positive cultural change within the organisation during a difficult down-sizing period, oversaw the amalgamation with the Dimboola District Hospital and was actively involved in the substantial infrastructure redevelopment across the Group as a whole. The Board appreciated Wendy’s professionalism and leadership and wish her well with her career.
As a result of Wendy’s departure we welcome Mr. Don McRae as Director of Clinical Services. Don has extensive experience in health service management and as a local has a close affinity to the Wimmera region. The Board welcomes Mr. McRae and looks forward to a long and productive relationship.
Patient Services
As was reported last year the demand for acute inpatient services continues to grow. This year the Health Care Group treated 9,616 acute inpatients, which is a further 1.7% increase on last year’s record number. The increase is significant given that the government increased target numbers from the prior year. The Group achieved the new mark and exceeded it by a further 1%. This was achieved in a period where medical staff recruitment has been extremely difficult and fiscal sustainability an imperative.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the acute inpatient service continues to improve with the length of stay per patient continuing to fall. This achievement also reflects the Health Care Group’s leading performance in maintaining the lowest number of bed days per (weighted) patient treated for all Regional Hospitals in Victoria.
Aged Care and community services have also experienced significant demand with growth in allied health services continuing to increase. In recognition of key service gaps in primary health services and health promotion the Group embarked on an ambitious pilot program of service delivery into North Horsham. This has proven to be very successful. In addition, Wimmera Community Options has also been successful in attracting increased Commonwealth Funding for community based care packages across the Wimmera region.
The increased numbers of patients accessing services from across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee catchment has reaffirmed the role of the Wimmera Health Care Group as a sub regional referral centre. This increase has seen growth across the whole organisation and a further push out into the broader communities we serve.
Commitment To Quality
The ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement is evident by the information contained in the current Quality of Care Report. The report represents the culmination of another year in which the Health Care Group has strived to provide the best level of care possible.
In support of monitoring our achievements the Health Care Group regularly undertakes external and internal audit procedures to ensure the maintenance of quality services, both clinically and non-clinically.
As testimony to those procedures the Group has successfully completed independent reviews by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards - two of the predominant quality measures in the industry. The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards undertook an organisation wide accreditation survey in late 2005 that confirmed a very positive outcome – with a formal announcement to be made later in the year.
The year has also seen the implementation of key monitoring activities that will ensure ongoing maintenance of obligations to legislative compliance and a planned preparedness to both real and potential risk to the ongoing operations of the Group.
Furthermore, the well-established clinical pathways program has demonstrated a great deal of value in delivering quality outcomes for high volume patient episodes. In expanding on the benefits, the program has been extended to encompass 35 pathways and 11 checklists.
The Health Care Group continues to promote the virtues private health insurance has to both the individual and the Group. The securing of private patient numbers provides a critical benefit to the Health Care Group and now delivers significant advantages to patients. The value of private patients to the ongoing viability of the Group cannot be underestimated. It is through their contributions that the range and quality of services that the community has become accustom can continue to be provided.
Facilities and Equipment
A number of new and replacement items of equipment were purchased during the year to maintain the high quality of services provided. The finalisation of the experimental solar heating system at Dimboola Hospital and the securing of significant funding from the Environment Improvement Fund were key milestones. Internal efficiency improvements were made to the management of equipment/works request to ensure high priority demands were met. In acknowledgement of the competing demands additional resources were committed to ensure key projects were addressed in a timely fashion.
A significant project for the year was the implementation of voice over Internet protocol technology. In short, the new system exploits the benefits of using data transmission technology for traditional telephone services. The new application forms part of the Groups strategic commitment to improving its exposure to “state of the art” information technology and communication, whilst returning a substantial cost benefit.
A major project completed in the later part of the year was Rotary House. This new facility further strengthens our sub regional role and provides low cost accommodation for patients and families that need assistance. The Boards appreciation is extended to all those involved in the project, the tradesman, suppliers, fundraisers and co-ordinators for their enduring support and assistance. A special thank you is extended to the Trustee’s of the Wimmera Base Hospital Foundation who initiated fundraising for the project with the allocation of $50,000.00 from the annual provision. The Board commends the Rotary Club of Horsham and Rotary Club of Horsham East for initiating the project and ensuring its completion.
Performance
The enclosed financial statement reports that the Health Care Group experienced an important improvement in its financial position from the previous year. The Group undertook an independent analysis of its operations and embarked on a series of recommendations to improve its financial viability. This factor combined with government changes in the funding models for rural and regional hospitals also contributed to the positive outcome. In summary the Group returned a net deficit of $658,000.00 however after making adjustments for capital items and depreciation a small surplus was achieved.
The Board of Management was given the challenge by the Department of Human Services to achieve a balance budget within a two-year window of opportunity. It is pleasing to report that a positive outcome has been reached within one year, however the challenge is to now maintain that result given a number of internal and external pressures.
The Board would also like to acknowledge the assistance and manner in which the Department of Human Services representatives supported the Group in achieving this significant outcome.
The Wimmera Health Care Group is pleased to continue its involvement in the Grampians Health Information & Communications Technology Alliance, which was successful in gaining Federal funding to improve information technology infrastructure. The Alliance has entered into partnership with Telstra to expand the existing telephony system to incorporate a new network across the region. This has resulted in significant improvements in communications and formed a major platform of our strategic commitment to technological improvement.
Governance
The Board of Management is the major policy making body and assumes overall responsibility for the direction and operation of the Health Care Group.
One of the principle roles of the Board of Management is to set the strategic direction of the health service. This is a dynamic process that must be focused to meet the critical demands of the community and yet flexible to deal with the changing environment. The Health Care Group believes that given the substantial planning undertaken in previous years the organisation is well positioned to meet the challenges of the future. The Board has more recently completed a mid term review of the plan and made suitable adjustments to ensure its relevancy and practical application.
The stability of the governing body of any organisation is paramount, and this is no different for the Health Care Group. The Board of Management leadership group for 2005 changed with the retirement of Mr. Ian Campbell. I was happy to accept the appointment of President and Chairman for the twelve month period and welcomed the support of Mrs. Leigh-Anne Sharrock and Mrs. Jo Saxton as Vice-Presidents. Again the Board reaffirmed the reappointment of Mr. Mark Williams as Treasurer giving stability and clarity to this very important role.
I would like to extend my appreciation to former Board member and President Mr. Ian Campbell for skill, knowledge and determination to lead the Group through a challenging period. Unfortunately due to a change in government policy Mr. Campbell could not continue on the Board and his professionalism and leadership has been sadly missed.
In November 2004 we welcomed Mr. Philip Sabien to the Board of Management. Mr. Sabien brings a range of skills and experiences complimentary to the governance of the Health Care Group and he has demonstrated a real commitment to the role and its obligations.
The Board of Management again wishes to register its disappointment in government policy to reject nominations from medical practitioners who have a contractual relationship with the organisation to which they seek appointment. As a further consequence of this policy direction a very valuable Board member Dr. John Pickering will be disqualified from seeking reappointment after 10 years continuous service.
It
is also acknowledged that Mrs. Bronwen Brown has not sought reappointment
to the Board. Our appreciation is extended to Mrs. Brown for her commitment
and contributions.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Chief Executive,
Mr Chris Scott. Mr Scott who commenced his role with the Health Care Group
in 2003 has work tirelessly with the Board. His assistance has been invaluable.
Community Support
Each year we extend our gratitude to the commitment of the many volunteers and auxiliary members in both Horsham and Dimboola. Again this year is no exception. These individuals and groups give freely of their time and resources to make a significant contribution to our organisation. The commitment that these people make mirrors the Health Care Group’s aim of providing the best health care possible. It is through their support that our patients and clients received that little bit extra. Not all groups have such a direct role with patients and clients, some groups are tasked with the challenges of fundraising, and others with providing a caring environment – to all we are very much appreciative.
In acknowledging some of our long-term supporters who have made substantial contributions to the Group the Board presents certificates of appreciation. Even though the Board individually recognize these people at the annual general meeting it would be remiss not to express our appreciation through this report and to reaffirm our many thanks for their work and help.
Conclusion
This has been a year of ongoing change within the Health Care Group. The organisation has been proactive in response to the increased level of demand; change in staff and leadership, and ongoing financial pressures.
The Wimmera Health Care Group is the major provider of health services within the region and must undertake that role in a responsible and responsive way. This is achieved through a commitment to solid corporate governance and a confidence that sound plans have been laid for the future growth of the organisation and its role in the sub region.
It is important to acknowledge the support and assistance provided by the Department of Human Services. If it were not for their assistance a number of the major projects, services and requirements across the Wimmera area would remain virtually unmet.
The relationship that the Wimmera Health Care Group has with its parliamentary representatives is a key to ensuring good communication and support in this area. It is readily acknowledged that the achievements gained by our representatives and the positive impacts they have on the Health Care Group and the surrounding region.
The real test of any organisation’s success is the quality of the people who deliver the service. Our staff are local people caring for local people – they have a passion to perform to the best of their ability and at times sacrifice their own wellbeing in the pursuit of excellence for others. The Board is acutely aware of this dedication and wishes to thank them for their ongoing commitment and dedication.
The Wimmera is a dynamic and varying environment that is growing from strength to strength. As the region changes so must our health services. They need to be flexible to meet the needs of their communities and robust enough to be sustainable. However it is even more important that our community members are cared for in a safe and secure environment, through high quality services provided by professional and valued staff.
Pawel Wajszel
President
Board of Management.
