• Message from Finance & Audit Committee
  
• Surgical Procedures
  
• Resource Distribution
  
• Planned Capital Spending and Funding
  

Hard work, community support make patient care possible
The reality of responding to increasing health care needs in the face of limited resources continues to be a Canada-wide issue for all health care providers. This past year, St. Joseph's Health Care London met this ongoing challenge and at the same time was able to improve its over-all financial position. The strength of our financial management was recognized in the Ontario Hospital Report '99. This report is a welcome addition to public accountability for hospitals, and we look forward to future reports and comparisons.

In 1999/2000, we maintained levels of care and service in comparison to previous years. Acute care services (St. Joseph's Hospital) saw increases in: day surgery volumes of 2.8 per cent; dialysis treatment of 13 per cent; and outpatient and emergency visits of 2.5 per cent. Although the number of inpatient stays declined 2.3 per cent, the severity of cases increased, leaving the overall weighted activity virtually unchanged.

At Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, resident days declined 4.6 per cent, primarily as a result of some bed closures to renovate part of the facility. These renovations were completed in February, 2000 and patient day volumes are expected to return to normal levels in the coming year.

Rehabilitation and complex care days at Parkwood Hospital increased 5.3 per cent. This trend will continue as the number of rehabilitation and complex care beds at Parkwood increases in keeping with London's hospital restructuring plan.

Our continued healthy financial position permits the organization to fulfill its commitment to rebuilding efforts now underway. Operating results for 1999/2000 were significantly better than anticipated as a result of one-time assistance provided by the provincial Ministry of Health/Long Term Care late in the year. This assistance added $3.9 million to the health centre's income. This one-time funding, along with investment income of $3.3 million, has been directed to capital reserves to finance future restructuring projects and related medical equipment needs.

Although investment income was below expectations, the overall financing of the hospital's future capital program, including restructuring, is still on target. During the year, capital spending on equipment and renovations totalled $24.8 million, an investment in future care in the London community and region.

December 31, 1999, (Y2K) passed with little-to-no impact as we, in partnership with others, were well prepared. All computer systems and medical equipment were assessed, serviced, or replaced as required well in advance of the new year. Total spending on Y2K amounted to $10 million over a three-year period.

Hospital restructuring, continued investment in research, and support for patient care programs are not possible without the contributions of our community through the health centre's foundations. We express our appreciation to the St. Joseph's and Parkwood Hospital Foundations for their support of current patient care needs and future projects. We are most grateful to the volunteers and community members who give of their time, talents and resources.

In closing, we express our gratitude to St. Joseph's leaders, physicians, staff members and volunteers who continue to guide and manage our resources while achieving the mission and vision of St. Joseph's Health Care London. We would not be as prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow if it were not for the dedication of so many people. Together we will continue to work with our partners in London and region to provide excellent health care while responding to community needs in the tradition of our founders.

Bill Wood, Chair
Finance & Audit Committee,
Board of Directors

Surgical Procedures
% of Day Surgery

We continue to increase the volume of surgery performed on an outpatient basis. Of total surgical procedures performed in 1999-2000, 75.3 % are performed on an outpatient basis. In-patient procedures for the current year of 6,359 represents a 3.7% decline since 1997-1998 and current outpatient procedures of 19,371 represents a 7.8 % increase over the same period.

Resource Distribution

This graph shows how our resources have been allocated to support our respective patient care programs.

Planned Capital Spending and Funding

This chart shows the extent of planned capital spending for restructuring up to 2005-2006 along with the sources of funding and share of each. The community plays a major role in financing our future redevelopment.
* Other projects contain additional spending to support our changing vision. Included are the neurobehavioural facility of Parkwood Hospital, the education centre and other ambulatory facilities at St. Joseph's Hospital, and the development of space to accommodate the expansion of rehabilitation programs at Parkwood Hospital from other locations in the city.