This represents only a tiny fraction of the Network’s $110 million projected expenditure for the six months to June 30, 2011.

Visiting Goulburn Base Hospital last week, the chair of the Network’s governing council, Eve Bosak, revealed the current budget shortfall, but said she and the new NSW Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, had met to discuss ways of cutting costs while maintaining services.

“We won’t be cutting staff,” she said.

“There’s really a need for more staff, rather than fewer, and we’d like to reduce the time it takes to get things done by being able to give approvals immediately instead of going through three different administration levels.”

Ms Bosak said local networks would be given more decision-making power in order to provide seamless health care across all areas, including Goulburn and Crookwell hospitals.

Following Ms Bosak’s Goulburn visit, the Network’s Wagga Waggabased Director of Operations, Rajiv Anand, yesterday reassured communities that local hospitals would continue to provide clinical care, with Emergency Departments remaining open 24 hours-a-day.

“Attracting health staff to rural areas is an ongoing challenge across NSW,” Mr Anand said.

“Local staff levels are maintained to continue to deliver safe patient care. “GBH is a large employer and actively recruits to fill medical and nursing vacancies.”

Mr Anand said a comparison could not be made between the Southern NSW Local Health Network’s $110 million half-year budget and that of the former Greater Southern Area Health Service, due to changes in the configuration of services and support across multiple Local Health Networks.

At April 11, 2011, creditors owed payments for more than 45 days totalled only $78,000, representing less than 0.01 per cent of the Network’s total projected operating expenses. Some of these accounts would need further verification before being paid, and there also would be seasonal and demand variations in amounts outstanding.

“We have processes in place that aim to ensure small and local creditors are not disadvantaged and are paid within terms,” Mr Anand said.

He said any creditor wanting to discuss their payment position were encouraged to call the Creditors’ Hotline, 1300 225 135.