Embattled hospital board hits back at critics revealing $2.6 million surplus
A private hospital under fire from the mayor has defied critics by posting a $2.6 million surplus and investing millions in new medical equipment.
A private hospital at the centre of calls for its board and CEO to be stood down has reported a $2.6 million surplus, which has been reinvested in clinical and infrastructure upgrades.
The Friendly Society Private Hospital annual general meeting on Monday, November 25, 2025 heard from board chairman Barry Dangerfield that it was “a stronger, more modern and more resilient hospital than it was 12 months ago” despite claims made by Mayor Helen Blackburn.
“This hospital was operating perfectly three years ago, you have to say ‘well, what’s happened in three years?’,” she said on launching a petition to stand down the hospital CEO and board members.
Mr Dangerfield said the surplus demonstrated the hospital’s commitment to serving Bundaberg and the Wide Bay.
A statement released by the hospital following the AGM quoted Mr Dangerfield:
“This year was about strengthening our foundations and investing where it matters most- in patient care, in safety, and in our people,” he said.
“Every dollar we earn is reinvested back into Bundaberg.”
The statement said the upgrades included a $2.2 million Philips Azurion image-guided therapy system for the cardiac cath lab, $1.45 million upgrade of the central sterile services department, $500,000 chiller upgrade supporting infection-controlled theatre temperatures, and $500,000 in perioperative equipment such as a Jackson spinal table, new colonoscopes and gastroscopes, and a urology laser.
“Bundaberg deserves access to safe, modern care close to home,” Mr Dangerfield said in the statement.
“These investments are not optional, they are the commitment we make to this community.”
Mr Dangerfield said the hospital was also able to strengthen its financial capability by implementing PowerHealth clinical costing, enabling detailed casemix, revenue, and length-of-stay analysis, which positioned Friendlies ahead of the anticipated national funding reform.
“The healthcare landscape is shifting,” he said.
“We are preparing early so we can protect local access to private hospital care for the long term.”
He said, within the past year, Friendlies had received full accreditation across the four routine independent external reviews conducted.
“You cannot buy external endorsement,” he said.
“You earn it.
“Four separate accreditors examined our governance, clinical systems and culture and each confirmed we are delivering safe, high-quality care.”
Mr Dangerfield commended his staff, saying “their commitment is the reason the Friendlies continues to serve this community with excellence.
“They are the heart of this hospital.”
