NORTHERN Health faces a $1.5 million budget deficit and cuts to elective surgery and jobs as funding reductions kick in.
The organisation’s business performance executive director Maree Cuddihy said despite the growing demand for services in the north, a federal government cut to funding would hit 400 elective surgeries and at least 15 full-time jobs this year.
“The northern community has been growing by 20 per cent per annum over the past 10 years and is made up of residents born in more than 180 countries who speak more than 130 languages,” she said. “Northern Health has proposed a $1.5 million budget deficit as a means to maintain a balance of clinical services.”
Ms Cuddihy said the Northern Health board was considering further cost reductions while aiming to minimise impact on patient care.
“The Northern Health board and executive have been keeping the state and federal governments informed regarding funding reduction implications and staff have been kept informed,” she said.
“From late December 2012 to mid January 2013, Northern Health has reduced bed capacity for six weeks however patients will continue to be treated.
“Northern Health is situated in a rapid growth corridor delivering 2694 babies in the 2011-12 financial year. We’re on track to deliver over 3000 babies in the 2012-13 financial year.
“This continued demand for maternity services has a flow on effect to other areas within the health service. One of the impacts may be our ability to provide timely care to less critical patients.”
