APHA 41st National Congress 'must attend' event

This year's APHA 41st National Congress (APHA Congress) is a 'must attend' event as the sector gathers to discuss the pressures it is under, says Australian Private Hospitals Association CEO Michael Roff.

Mr Roff said private healthcare was experiencing some of the most difficult operating conditions in living memory, as evidenced by four hospitals announcing closures just three months into 2024.

"We know the sector is under extreme pressure. Operating costs are high, we are not immune from the cost-of-living crisis impacting other Australians, but we also came out of COVID-19 having had two years bouncing in and out of surgery restrictions," he said.

"We are only just getting back to pre-COVID activity levels but it's not enough because benefit payments from health insurers have failed to keep pace with costs increases."

Mr Roff said these issues and more would be the subject of discussion at this month's APHA Congress, which runs from Wednesday 10 April to Friday 12 April.

APHA President Christine Gee will outline the many activities the industry body has undertaken on the sector's behalf, followed by a scene-setting session where key leaders outline their view of the state of the health sector.

The presentation from EY and Queensland Health will provide a better understanding of what is impacting financial viability in the sector now and how the public sector views private hospitals.

"In the session on challenges and how to tackle them we look outside the private hospital sector to discuss issues other sectors have faced, how they have addressed them and come through the other side, while on Friday the APHA Congress will hear the view of the private health insurers," Mr Roff said.

"Also on Friday, APHA Congress will examine the issues of digital transformation and hear a first-hand account of managing a data breach."

Mr Roff said the program would also provide advice on how to introduce sustainability measures to your hospital, and look at the issue of digital transformation in the private hospital sector.

"The program is jam-packed. Hospital executives have a lot on their plates at the moment and the APHA Congress aims to stimulate conversations and discussions that we hope will lead to some solutions for the sector and provide opportunities for those vital conversations with colleagues," he added.

The APHA Congress aims to provide practical advice along with an update on activities at a national level to address the issues private hospitals are experiencing.

"APHA Congress aims to give hospital executives practical advice they can use in their hospitals, but it's also an important networking event for our members," Mr Roff said.

"This year, with so much going on in the sector, attendance is vital. This APHA Congress we will be discussing the threats facing private hospitals, but also looking for solutions, looking outside our sector for other examples of ways to think about our next steps – even our keynote addresses are about leadership in challenging times and overcoming adversity."

• APHA Congress runs: Wednesday 10 April to Friday 12 April 2024, RACV Royal Pines, Gold Coast.
• Register
• Program.

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