Queensland health system posts $46m deficit
Cairns hospital is among three facilities facing potential financial stress, according to the report. (AAP file image)
Queensland's health system posted a deficit of $46 million last financial year, according to the state auditor-general's latest report.
The report found the Cairns, Northwest and Wide Bay health districts were showing signs of financial stress, with Cairns in particular posting a $20 million deficit in 2015-16.
"This result indicates that without additional funding, Cairns and Hinterland HHS may have insufficient current assets to meet its short-term debts," the report said.
Wide Bay health district posted a deficit of $13.9 million, while the Northwest, centred around Mt Isa, is $3.4 million in the red.
Overall, the report found Queensland's hospital and health services collectively posted a $46 million dollar deficit over the last financial year.
The results show a significant decline from 2014-15, when it recorded a $19 million surplus.
The report also identified problems with how Hospital and Health Services plan for IT recovery.
"This means that, if there were a disaster, HHSs might be challenged in recovering critical IT systems," the report said.
With AAP
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