November 2009

Victoria’s public hospitals in the black

Victoria’s public hospitals have recorded a combined financial surplus for the fifth successive year, meaning they are well-funded to deliver better care in the face of growing demand.

‘Hospitals are operating in surplus despite record demand—admitting more than 1.4 million patients in 2008–09 and treating 1.36 million patients in emergency departments,’ said Health Minister Daniel Andrews.

Mr Andrews said the combined net operating surplus of Victoria’s public hospitals for the 2008–09 year was $33.6 million, an increase of $4.1 million on the combined surplus of $29.5 million the previous year.

He said 66 of the 85 hospitals reported a surplus—10 more than last year.

‘The bottom line is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our hospital staff and the Government’s 130 per cent increase in funding.

‘Our Government understands going to hospital can be stressful for Victorians and their families—that’s why we are hiring more nurses and building better hospitals.’

Mr Andrews said hospitals received a combined $6 billion in recurrent acute funding from the Government this year—$388.7 million more than the previous year.