Djerriwarrh Health Services has reported an operating surplus of $47,000 for the year to June 30 2018, and set in train a multi-million dollar infrastructure development program that has boosted the number of post-delivery beds in the maternity unit, and added further flexibility and confidence to Djerriwarrh’s services.
These were among the highlights presented at Djerriwarrh’s 2018 Annual General Meeting on 27 November at the Bacchus Marsh Hall and Supper Room.
Dr John Ballard, Administrator of Djerriwarrh Health Services, chaired the Annual General Meeting and with Chief Executive, Belinda Scott, presented the financial statements and answered questions from community members.
Dr Ballard has been appointed Administrator until 30 June 2020, and outlined a year of positive transformation across Djerriwarrh’s operations.
“We have spoken of transformation at Djerriwarrh many times over the last number of years and it continued at pace again throughout FY 2018. The transformation in the quality of care, the settings of care, the systems and the extraordinary people who deliver that care has been remarkable,” Dr Ballard said.
“Djerriwarrh Health Service is on the never-ending journey of continuous improvement and if anything, the pace of transformation is increasing.
“We have received formal advice that Grant Lodge, our aged care service, has achieved full accreditation and the Service also has every confidence it will shortly receive a formal report from the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS) accrediting our broader Health Services.” Dr Ballard said.
Dr Ballard specifically recognised the work of former Chief Executive Andrew Freeman, interim Chief Executive Ms Amanda Edwards and Medical Services Director Dr Liz Mullins in leading development of the culture and commitment evident to anybody who experienced Djerriwarrh at Bacchus Marsh, Caroline Springs or Melton.
Victorian Government investment in Djerriwarrh Health Services included; a $1.6 million upgrade of the Maternity Unit at Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital, further capital investment to link the Central Sterile Stock Department (CSSD) to the new Theatre Suite, a new nurse call system and improvements to its aged care wing, Grant Lodge.
Dr Ballard also called out the work of the more than 250 volunteers across the Service, and Ms Scott, thanked staff, volunteers and the local community for the positive welcome she had received since taking up her new position in June 2018.
The 2017-18 Djerriwarrh Health Services Annual Report, Financial Statements and the 2017-18 Quality Account report are available at www.djhs.org.au.