HSE warns of further cuts in 2013

on 31/08/2012 09:59:18

The HSE says cost-cutting measures announced yesterday will help to reduce the organisations base costs heading into next year but there will be further cuts.

The Executive announced plans to cut €130m yesterday, between now and December, in an effort to reduce a budget deficit of €259m, which include cuts to agency staff by 50% and overtime by 10%.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says it will resist new cost saving measures announced yesterday by the HSE as they jeopardise patient safety.

Leverne McGuinness, the National Director for Integrated Services at the HSE, says they are examining a number of areas to make cuts.

"In terms of where we currently are, even at agencies and overtime, when we get that down it means we've reduced our base costs going into 2013.

"It reduces the impact going into 2013 but I have no doubt there will be further reductions. We are looking at wider areas, we're looking at GP practices and the prescribing of generic drugs."