The Southern Primary Health Organisation has posted a
$114,698 surplus in the last full financial year.
In the organisation's annual report released last week,
chairman Stuart Heal said the PHO was in a strong financial
position, and would retain the surplus as equity, taking
total equity to $782,970.
The organisation oversees primary healthcare Otago and
Southland, including allocating funds to 94 GP practices.
Total operating revenue for the year was nearly $51.6
million.
Enrolled patients increased by 2421 to 285,582 during
2011-12. In a management report, chief executive Ian Macara
said the PHO was moving to address problems with after-hours
GP care in parts of Otago and Southland.
"A number of creative solutions were identified to address
the onerousness of after-hours call work and we intend to
implement some of these over the coming year."
The Otago Daily Times has asked for a copy of the
after-hours report, but has been advised it is not ready for
release.
A charitable trust, the PHO is not subject to the Official
Information Act.
The PHO's six top six health priorities were: chronic
conditions, oral health, elderly care, mental health, cancer,
and child and youth health.
eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.