The Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital has cited improved efficiency as its reasoning behind a round of job cuts.

Consulting firm Deloitte has reported the Hospital is 20 per cent less efficient than other comparable institutions, SA Health CEO David Swan says changes would be made after months of internal surveying and public consultation.

"Longer patient stays in hospital which resulted in greater operating costs were the main reason identified," Mr Swan said, “the hospital has implemented a number of strategies to improve efficiency and performance, including reducing unnecessary bed days and lowering nursing agency costs by almost half."

The review proposed 30 beds be cut and the removal of 85 full-time jobs by 2015. It says savings could be in the $20 million range.

SA Health is reportedly considering all the suggested changes, including shorter stays after childbirth and further review measures.