I am pleased to present the AGM report for the Operations and Infrastructure year 2023.
The report has been prepared in accordance with OVAHS AGM policy guidelines includes the organisation of infrastructure improvement, funding budget, and annual performance activities. The past year has been another period of significant achievements and challenges particular for staff housing.
Infrastructure Improvement Sustainability Target 2023
As in previous years, I would like to recognise the large amount of funding invested in OVAHS infrastructure improvement. OVAHS has had many capital improvements we progressed a range of projects to ensure we attract and retain the best people and effectively support them in their roles. This work is underpinned by our new Strategic and Operation Plan 2023 and continued implementation of our values.
Grant funding is necessary for OVAHS expansion and improvement of services and living conditions for staff. Good infrastructure is key to OVAHS’ workforce retention and productivity. In order to maintain upkeeping the standards service facilities, OVAHS constantly seek funding improvements through capital and service maintenance program where available. Upon successful, dependent on each time funding amount grant, we use this limited funding allocate and split to their budget portion % to each sector we aim to improve such as Climate Change Plan 20%, WHS 40%, Accessibility 40% to the best possible over the years. Below are the funding allocation highlights as part of FY22/23:
Housing Improvement
This FY22/23 we were able to secure IAHP funding of $970,000 GST excl to purchase 2 additional staff houses.
Future Directions
In spite of all the successes mentioned in last year’s AGM report, there are also some lessons learnt. Lack of funding remains a major factor for infrastructure improvement.
Staff housing remains one of the biggest issues for OVAHS. With the roll out of new funding it is important that we have the infrastructure to recruit suitable staff to Kununurra.
We will continue to seek funding to increase our current housing stock and to maintain our current stock in good condition.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of and thank Brendan Smith, Maintenance Worker who works tirelessly to contribute to OVAHS infrastructure and improvement.
IT Infrastructure Improvement
With the proposal and support of KAMS ICT, OVAHS is looking to have a better Unified Communication System to be installed 25th Oct 2023. The new phone system replace with existing Panasonic which enabling OVAHS phone system run cheaper, using SIP (phone over internet) risk of cloud based system is low, easy collaboration on same phone system all AMS/ KRS shared directory for easy contact options. Mobile / App based handset for users to select an app or PC based phone rather than physical handset extension goes where staff go, flexible. The new phone system will be supported by vendor 24×7 customer support via KAMS ICT officers. Cost to implement on a par with current expenditure monthly subscription cost is comparable with KAMS/ AMS/ KRS current monthly phone expenses, even without considering maintenance and depreciation of physical phone system.
The new centralise phone has benefits:
- A fully featured cloud-based platform with high availability (99.99%) that can easily be configured for OVAHS business continuity scenarios (cyclones)
- A solution that allows end-users to communicate on their device of choice (handset/ laptop/mobile phone).
- A solution that can be easily and quickly managed centrally across all sites.
- A solution that reduced the need for onsite hardware thereby reducing points of failure and costly maintenance repairs.
- A solution that can be deployed in stages across sites (KAMS ICT)
Risk, Safety and Security
OVAHS operates in an environment where the safety and security of our staff is sometimes at risk. OVAHS has a strong risk management process which is reviewed regularly to mitigate those risks.
There are some incidents that OVAHS has been identified, assessed and controlled these hazards before they arise for improvements. Example of Incidents such as improving of INC_425_hazards management by relocating hand stantizer from the waiting room to safer appropriated area to avoid being taken by patient. Another example of incidents INC_427_patient being flighting at OVAHS ground exit gate were identified by the SMT, the siutation were assessed and controled immediately by deescalating the situation and recovered the incident. Injured patient was offered medical attention while ohter was taken home.
Compliance and Regulatory Change
OVAHS is committed to full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, codes, licensing, contractual obligations to which it is met over the year FY22/23. Compliance risk register are reviewed periodically by SMT through their respective clinical, medications, client / staff safety, finance and WHS to enable OVAHS to meet their compliance obligations, enhance stakeholders, service provider, community and staff protection.