COVID-19 cost Queensland Health about $1.3 billion last financial year, including almost $200 million in expected write-offs for unused rapid antigen tests (RATs), a report by the state's auditor-general has found.
abc.net.au/news/queensland-health-covid-cost-specialist-delays-expired-rats/102040344COVID-19 cost Queensland Health about $1.3 billion last financial year, including almost $200 million in expected write-offs for unused rapid antigen tests , an auditor-general's report has found.
The report lays bare the ongoing costs of the pandemic to the department, including $18 million in special leave paid to about 1,700 health workers who did not comply with COVID-19 vaccine mandates while employment contracts and exemption requests were assessed. "This issue also created significant administrative burden for the department and HHSs [Hospital and Health Services] in assessing the claims of staff seeking a vaccination exemption."Mr Worrall's report reveals an already-stretched health system buckling under the added burden of dealing with a once-in-a-century pandemic.
Omicron left the Queensland Health workforce reeling under significant pressures in the 2021-22 year, with sick leave increasing by 29 per cent between January and June, coinciding with the first six months after borders reopened.Overtime increased by 24 per cent across the full financial year. "However, government strategy changed to only require RATs in schools for teachers and students who develop COVID-19 symptoms."
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