Community & Business
1 November, 2021
New strategies underway to sustain local Health Services
The annual general meeting of the Clifton Co-Op Hospital Ltd, which trades under the banner Clifton Community Health Services, was held last Wednesday night.
While the Board remains concerned about the ongoing pressures on Clifton Community Health Services (CCHS) the Co-Operative experienced a better year financially during 2020-21 in comparison with 2019-20.
The profit for the year ended June 2021 was $105,921, compared to $26,741 the previous year.
However, the improved performance came as a result of Government support.
In delivering his annual report, the Chairman, Andrew Douglas outlined the current pressures facing the Health Services.
“While our organisation has, over the past 72 years, encountered uncertain times more than once, I expect the circumstances with which we are currently faced are amongst some of the most challenging,” he said.
“The convergence of a number of highly influential environment factors present significant ‘head winds’, not the least of which being that CCHS services an aging demographic typified by increasing levels of chronic disease; increasing consumer expectations and preference for aging in place at home where possible; an aging health workforce of decreasing size and increasing expense; increasing compliance requirements and associated expense; insufficient funding from a government whose capacity to pay is also decreasing; increasing competition from larger organisations; and, of course, a global pandemic.”
Mr Douglas said the Board and Management Team have devised a
number of key initiatives which serve to reinforce each other in positioning the organisation for improved performance.
“These include: an organisation-wide technology refresh; a number of organisational development initiatives; the appointment of specifically-skilled, non-executive directors; pursuing additional partnerships of mutual benefit; investigation of various non-traditional revenue streams, including establishment of a home care service; implementing a ‘fee-for-service’ model for some services previously provided free of charge to the consumer; increased lobbying at both government and industry level; a branding refresh; and a comprehensive communications strategy to support the above,” he said.
Mr Douglas said without the Australian Government’s Covid-19 related subsidies, the business would have realised a significant deficit for the 2020-2021 financial year.
Nevertheless, the Chair-man finished his report on an optimistic note.
“These are challenging and uncertain, but also exciting times and we look forward to continuing to work together to enhance the quality of life for residents of the greater Clifton area,” he said.
RETIRING DIRECTORS
Two long serving Directors of the Board have retired.
Terry Davis and Chris Bazley have served a total of 31 years between them.
Mr Davis joined the Board in 1999, serving for 22 years, including a period as Chairman of the Board’s Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.
The Chairman described Mr Davis as a “local “legend”.
“Terry’s insight has always been valued and his unassuming yet congenial manner will be sadly missed, as he embarks on some well deserved rest and recreation.” Mr Douglas said.
Mr Bazley joined the Board in 2012 and has served for 9 years.
During that time he has been Chairman of the Finance Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Board, and for three years, Chairman of the Board.
Mr Douglas also paid tribute to Mr Bazley’s contribution.
“Chris' leadership, commercial acumen, management experience and jovial approach has brought much to the organisation over many years and for that we shall be forever grateful,” the Chairman
said.
