The Limestone Coast Local Health Network appears to have exceeded its 2023/24 budget by more than $10m.


According to a recent staff report, the end of year forecast was an eight-figure overrun.


The SE Voice sought confirmation from the LCLHN about the extent of the overrun and measures being taken to rein it in.


The amount was not stated in the written reply from LCLHN chief executive Emma Poland.


“We are working every day to ensure our finances are being managed in a prudent and sustainable way,” Ms Poland said.


“Like all Local Health Networks, we are continually balancing the need to meet rising costs, while also delivering safe, high quality and sustainable healthcare within our local communities.


“Our 2023/24 financial report will be available to be accessed by public once the report is tabled in parliament.”


The most recent available public minutes of a LCLHN meeting come from the September meeting and indicate where the overruns may have occurred.


They included higher costs associated with use of locum medical and agency nursing staff and associated with pharmacy items and consumables such as food and linen.


“Opportunities for savings and efficiencies were discussed including strengthening of the resident medical and nursing workforce, and realignment of aged care nursing hours and bed occupancy ratios,” stated the minutes.


“A discussion was held in relation to work health and safety results and the complexities of balancing fatigue management, excess leave, workforce shortages, agency usage and supervision requirements.”


Financial matters relating to the LCLHN appear in the 2023/24 annual report of the Auditor-General.


This prompted Independent Member for MacKillop Nick McBride to question Health Minister Chris Picton in the House of Assembly on Thursday.


Mr McBride expressed disquiet with the amount expended on locum doctors as well as high salaries paid to some of the 1400 employees of LCLHN.