2022
Incorporating
Wednesday, June 26 2024
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www.mansfieldcourier.com.au
LIGHTING THE NIGHT A frosty Saturday night failed to deter the crowds with estimates of over 3500 converging on Erril Street for the annual Lantern Festival. Frankie McCoombe and Lisa Wale didn’t let one of the coldest starts to winter detract from the fun, accessorising their winter wear with a bit of glow. Turn to page 17 for the Lantern Festival wrap. PHOTO: Emma Oliver
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Crime rise sparks concern
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More homes for Mansfield
Increased funding, decreased confidence
Mansfield Hospital p budget g windfall,, regional g counterparts’ p bottom lines slashed
RECENT state budget allocations have the Mansfield District Hospital better off according to CEO Cameron Butler, with the million-dollar windfall recognition of the hospital’s level of service amongst a growing population. Mr Butler confirmed funding had been consistent over the last few years in spite of costs increasing, with the boost to hospital coffers reflective not just of the local services provided but the impacts of inflation. “We are appreciative of this acknowledgement
BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au
which will allow us to continue to provide the quality of care the community deserves without impacting our cash reserves,” he said. The increased funding however provides no assurance the hospital is immune to a merger. And whilst locally the budget is good news, there is concern across regional Victoria, with over 20
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other health services going backwards, their budgets slashed by up to 30 and 40 per cent. Many of these services were notified by the health department on June 12, with mandatory budgets sent out for the 2024-2025 financial year. Despite these cuts, Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes MP pointed out the state government had provided hospitals with record funding in this year’s budget. “In the 2024/25 financial year alone, more than 25
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per cent of the state’s entire budget will be invested into our health services, with $20 billion in funding to be delivered to our hospitals,” Ms Symes said. “The intention behind any review is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided, ensuring that public resources are allocated in the best possible manner to deliver frontline care. “This ensures services are delivered sustainably, safeguarding quality services for future generations.”
Ms Symes stressed the conflation between hospital funding and the government’s health services plan is misleading and the two are not related; however, local doctor Will Twycross believes funding cuts are an “insidious tactic” which would force hospitals into amalgamations. “Hospitals may have cash reserves, and they will have been told to find the shortfall to their funding from these reserves,” Dr Twycross said. “As they eat away at these
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reserves, they will then be hit with amalgamations under the guise of poor fiscal management. “However amalgamations are going to be inefficient and cost money to implement. “The savings the health department is looking to make will only be possible by cutting services. “Key performance indicators of an amalgamated board will be reducing expenditure and it is this they will be judged on rather than levels of excellence or service.”
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