HSE warns of more service cuts

Health services had overspent by just over €89 million against their budget by the end of February, latest HSE figures show.

And the HSE has warned of further cutbacks ahead that will impact on services.

Hospitals accounted for just under €49 million of the deficit and community services €29 million.

The HSE, in its latest performance report, said a review had been carried out on the most financially challenged hospitals. It said cost saving plans are now in place which will require considerable focus and will have an impact on service levels.

The health executive said early indications are that a number of hospitals will have difficulty breaking even this year while maintaining service levels.

According to the report, emergency admissions to hospitals were up 3.7% on the same period last year and planned admissions are up by 5% compared to this time last year.

The February figures also show that fewer patients were being treated within set targets in hospital emergency departments (EDs) in February compared to January.

The percentage of all ED attendees either treated and discharged or admitted within six hours of ED registration in February was 64.3%, compared to 65.2% in January.

The percentage of patients in February who needed admission who were admitted to a bed through EDs within nine hours of registration was 56.4%, compared to 58.7% in January.

The figures show there were 59,584 people on treatment waiting lists at the end of February, including around 1,200 waiting more than 12 months for treatment. However, according to the Department of Health, this number has reduced in recent weeks to around 550.

The total number on waiting lists at the end of January was 59,387.

[Posted: Fri 06/04/2012]