Job losses, closure of beds, extended waiting lists and downgrading of fire stations ahead

A BUDGET shortfall at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) could lead to 4,000 job losses, the closure of hospital beds, extended waiting lists and a reduction in grants to the voluntary sector.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jan 2011, 12:37 BST

The new Draft Budget 2011-15 proposals warn that due to a reduction in the health budget painful decisions will have to be made.

Specifically, the document says there may be restricted access to community care; closures of beds; hospital beds will get blocked; waiting lists will extend, both for hospital and community services; no ability to implement NICE Guidance; reduction in grants to the voluntary sector; no new patients on high cost drugs; jobs will be lost - c. 4000; a moratorium in employment; cash control on necessary agency and locum spend leading to unplanned closure; new buildings currently in construction left unopened; co-payments; downgrading of fire stations; and reduced service levels.

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The draft budget concludes: "The shortfall in resources and profile of resources under the Draft Budget for DHSSPS have significant implications for service delivery and the Department will be seeking every opportunity to reprofile funding and maximise resource availability."

A public consultation period on the budget proposals closes on February 9, 2011