In a sometimes tense discussion at the board's community public health advisory committee meeting last week, PHO representatives expressed concern about the lack of ongoing funding for some of its programmes.
About $250,000 would be needed to keep the programmes going because the PHO cannot continue to fund them out of its reserves.
The board's outgoing regional planning and funding general manager, Chris Fraser, suggested extra money could be found if the Mornington Health Centre, the PHO's sole practice, increased fees in line with other practices in the city.
Committee chairman Errol Millar said he believed Mr Fraser's comments were "farewell shots" and it was a little disappointing that exchange took place at the meeting.
He did not believe Mr Fraser's perspective was shared by the committee.
Members had praised the work of the PHO and, along with chief executive Brian Rousseau, had expressed the hope ways of funding the services could be found.
It was not always possible to "throw money" at such services from the budget, but if the matter was explored further, "innovative ways" might be found to fund it.
Mr Millar is keen to see more involvement with the committee from a variety of the community health organisations, even if that might sometimes prove controversial.
He wants to have at least two presentations from groups outside the committee at each meeting.
He hopes such occasions will give groups an opportunity to highlight their successes as well as their concerns.
Getting issues out into the open meant there was a chance to explore possible solutions to problems, Mr Millar said.
Groups wanting to give a presentation should contact him or the board secretary.
