The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) 2023-2024 annual report recognises
significant achievements across the health service.
As of 30 June 2024, WBHHS has achieved zero long waits for elective surgery.
This means there are currently no patients waiting for elective surgery for longer than clinically recommended timeframes.
This result was delivered through a combination of recruitment of surgical staff, additional staff recruitment, partnerships with local private hospitals, and staff-led initiatives for prioritising trauma lists, reducing cancellations and improving access to operating theatres.
These initiatives have seen the health service complete over 8,000 elective surgeries in the last financial year, almost 1,000 more than the previous year.
The 2023-2024 financial year also marked a significant milestone in a commitment to health equity with the appointment of our Executive Director for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
This role is a key component of the Health Equity Plan and underscores our dedication to closing the gap in health outcomes for First Nations Australians.
The service is proud to take this important step toward ensuring that all members of the community have access to culturally safe and responsive healthcare.
WBHHS Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said she was proud of the work delivered by the
organisation.
“Our staff’s dedication and innovation are reflected in the improved performance of our health service with the key priority to keep patients safe and to provide quality health care,” she said.
“I have been committed to improving access to clinical service, being accreditation-ready every day and improving our financial position as a priority for our health service.
“We listened to our staff, implementing suggestions to improve efficiencies and develop new ways of delivering care.”
“We also received additional funding from the Department of Health for new services such as our First 2000 Days early childhood program, initiatives for frail aged patients, and enhanced mental health services, as well as funding for major capital infrastructure.
“Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has also recognised the hard work undertaken to
achieve a $40M turnaround in its financial position.
“I’m delighted to announce that Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service ended the 2023-2024 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.07 million, which is a turnaround of $40M over the last financial year.
“This couldn’t have been achieved without a consistent commitment from our staff at all levels of the organisation, and I thank each and every one of you.
“Providing safe, quality care for our patients and communities and financial sustainability and remains a high priority for WBHHS.”
WBHHS Board Chair Peta Jamieson said the results were extra impressive given the challenges faced in the past year.
“The Board and I are very pleased to see these results given the enormous demand on our health service.
“We congratulate our wonderful staff who work so hard to keep our loved ones safe.
“The collaborative approach demonstrated by our Board and Executive has underpinned our
achievements during this challenging time.”
The WBHHS 2023-24 Annual Report is available here.
Other key highlights from the 2023-2024 Annual Report
- The $1.2 billion new Bundaberg Hospital project commenced early works, with an official sod turn event held in May 2024.
- Opening of the 22-bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Hervey Bay – stage one of a major $40M Fraser Coast Mental Health Service Project.
- A residential rehabilitation and withdrawal facility is now under construction and will provide 28 places for residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation.
- Hervey Bay Hospital has undertaken a $600,000 refurbishment of its Transit Hub and extended the service’s operating hours.
- The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Disability Plan 2024–2027 was launched.
- Geriatricians and palliative care specialists have commenced in both Bundaberg and Hervey Bay Hospitals.
- Endocrinology Telecare services have commenced, providing specialist care closer to home.
