Local health spending unpacked further

State budget documents have revealed local health services have not escaped the rising cost of operation.  

Expenses are estimated to come in around $9M over budget for the 2023/24 financial year for the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN)

Part of this was put down to upgrades at residential aged care sites, while $4.1M of the over budget spend was put down to addressing cost pressures.

The over spend was a common theme through SA’s regional health networks, with the local numbers comparable to other areas.

Performance of the local health services was also highlighted in the state budget, with 94% of urgent elective surgeries treated within acceptable timeframes.