Hospital looks a bit healthier

FINALLY it feels as though there is potentially some light at the end of the tunnel for our troubled Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service.

The past year has been marred by revelations of an $80m budget blackhole and patient concerns at long waiting lists.

In September last year, the sevenmember hospital board resigned as a result of the budget deficit, citing a lack of confidence from Health Minister Cameron Dick, who had threatened to sack the board when the deficit was revealed.

A financial audit report last year found the health service was unlikely to be able to reduce its spiralling debt without further funding

So it’s promising to hear CHHHS administrator Terry Mehan say there have been “constructive” talks with Mr Dick about whether our health service is receiving the appropriate level of funding.

It comes on the back of a 15 per cent growth in overall patient activity in the past 12 months.

Nothing has been finalised but it’s heartening that the extra demand on our service has been acknowledged and that additional funding could be in the pipeline.

Next month also provides another fresh chapter when the new board starts work, with the final make-up currently being selected from a shortlist of 15.

Credit must also go to CHHHS chief executive Clare Douglas, who took over the reins of a clearly troubled health organisation nearly 12 months ago and has managed to keep it afloat without any apparent negative impact on services.

It’s a big ask to come into an organisation that has gone so far off track and be able to start righting the ship.