Annual report for Albury Wodonga Health tabled in parliament

The figures are revealed in the 2022-23 annual report which was tabled in the Victorian parliament on Thursday, November 16.

The $206,000 deficit operating result compares to a $414,000 positive outcome in 2022 and negative tallies of $480,000 in 2021 and $3.55 million in 2020.

Increased costs in employee expenses were cited for the turnaround in 2023.

Expenses for salaries and wages rose from $222.96 million in 2022 to $241.251 million in 2023 but the biggest percentage increase came in the budget for agencies.

In the most recent financial year, Albury Wodonga Health has spent $45.24 million on third-party job providers compared to $27.415 million in 2022.

In August 2023, representatives of a recruiting company engaged by Albury Wodonga Health to provide overseas nurses criticised the hospital operator's approach to hiring foreign staff.

The annual report also flags that 3573 patients are on a waiting list for elective surgery, above the target of 3166, with 78 per cent of urgent category 2 and 3 elective candidates being admitted within the clinically recommended time, against a target of 94 per cent.

The annual report follows the NSW and Victorian governments in October 2022 announcing a $558 million redevelopment of the Albury hospital.

Outgoing Albury Wodonga Health board chairman Matt Burke in his report noted the "funding is inclusive of a previous $108 million invested by NSW and Commonwealth governments to a new acute mental health inpatient unit".

"Planning is already under way and we're incredibly grateful to the staff, patients and community members who have helped guide this process so far," Mr Burke wrote.

In a separate summary of the Albury hospital upgrade, there is a broad outline of what is expected to emerge as a result of the development but it is not without qualification.

"The project will consolidate 24-hour services on the Albury hospital campus, reducing the duplication of services and the need to travel between two campuses, making the overall experience of receiving and providing health care much easier, safer and better for everyone," it read.

"While the final scope of clinical services will be confirmed as part of the planning process, the project is expected to deliver a new intensive care unit, operating theatres, medical and surgical inpatient units, maternity and paediatric services, neonatal care, an adult acute mental health inpatient unit, expanded outpatient and specialist spaces, enhanced support services and additional car parking."

The blurb on the redevelopment outlined initial consultation, stating that it had "provided the team with invaluable feedback and insight to help inform the next phases of planning and design for the redevelopment".

"Construction is expected to commence in 2024," it forecasts.

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