Health boss says Albury Wodonga Health has had 'one of its finest hours'

Chief executive Michael Kalimnios said all staff had shown incredible persistence and leadership despite the trying circumstances of the pandemic.

"I've no doubt this time will be seen as one of AWH's finest hours," he said.

"The COVID-19 response was incorporated into a business-as-usual approach, and at all times, I think we were able to maintain a high delivery of quality care.

"This included the use of Telehealth ... we have gradually expanded (it) to include more than 60 clinical disciplines.

"COVID-19, unfortunately has affected elective surgeries ... this is an area of concern for us and we look forward to be able to increase ... capacity, hopefully early in the new year."

The annual report published following Thursday night's AGM showed the majority of key performance indicators were achieved or exceeded.

However, only one of five targets for emergency care were met.

Albury Wodonga Health has not achieved its target of having zero patients experience a stay greater than 24 hours since 2015-2016.

While the number of Albury patients in ED for longer than 24 hours was fewer than the previous year (192 compared to 273), those staying for long periods in Wodonga increased from 55 to 110.

There were also targets missed for mental health, and chief executive Michael Kalimnios said 1293 acute presentations represented a 33 per cent increase.

"COVID, and the long-lasting impacts from the 2019-20 bushfires resulting in significant increase in demand for mental health services is one of our major pressure points," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

A new three-year training pathway for junior doctors and a virtual fracture clinic that has avoided 15,000 kilometres in travel for 700 people were among the year's highlights.

The annual report, featuring artwork by Tamara May Murray, detailed new Aboriginal cultural awareness e-Learning and the service's first Aboriginal nursing cadetship program.