THE 2023-2024 operating deficit was $121,000 under budget for Inglewood and Districts Health Service.
The annual general meeting was told the $269,000 deficit compared with the planned shortfall of $390,000.
“Revenue factors include Commonwealth revenue performing better than budget because of better-than-expected Australian National Aged Care Classification funding, plus funding for the health service to begin delivering home support programs in the Loddon Shire community,” the annual report said.
“Capital grants increased with $2 million in funding recognised for both allied health gym and residential aged care outdoor environment projects. 
Expenditure factors include personnel costs majorly impacted by extra FTE employed to deliver the home support program. While administrative costs were over budget due to software licence fees and other expenses reporting over budget.”
Chair Robert Chamberlain and CEO Dallas Coghill wrote in their report: “Inglewood and Districts Health Service has completed the third year of our strategic plan Delivering Better Care 2021-2024 and we have made significant strides in assuring we meet our strategic objectives.
“Inglewood and Districts Health Service ensures our strategic objective of Delivering Better Care is guided by our strategic pillars of Our Care, Our Team, Our Partnerships and Our Sustain ability.”
They said IDHS had been successful in recruiting to all advertised roles across the year with a high calibre of applications for these roles.  “Our team is a priority for Inglewood and Districts Health Service and worker wellbeing continues to be at the forefront of our decision making. 
“Inglewood and Districts Health Service has been able to recruit to executive roles and Inglewood and Districts Health Service continues to invest in strategies to ensure that our staff are supported and prevent burnout.”
IDHS continued to seek opportunities for improved service delivery through ongoing collaboration with regional partners and the report said IDHS had been able to strengthen its commitment to indigenous health, gender equity, and mental health.
“We remain committed to meeting the health care needs and service demands ... through the provision of effective and high quality health services,” they said.