Fears have been expressed for health services in Clare with news that 25 beds are being closed at Ennis General along with proposals to cut up to 300 temporary jobs throughout hospitals in the mid-west.
The HSE has confirmed bed closures at Ennis and Nenagh, and has also informed Clare FM of ward closures in Limerick Regional and the Orthopaedic Hospital in Croom as part of cutbacks during what’s described as one of the most financially challenging times ever in Irish Health Services.
The Impact Trade Union says the cost saving measures to cover a funding deficit of 35 million Euro will have devastating effect on the region and has expressed fears for the future of 300 temporary workers, though the HSE hasn’t said how many contracts will be cut.
Impact’s Assistant General Secretary, Andy Pike fears there are more cuts to come
Meanwhile
The Regional Director of Operations for HSE West, meanwhile has said their overspend is like to be 90 million Euro if they do not take action including the confirmed hospital cuts and review of temporary contracts in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
In a statement to Clare FM, John Hennessy says local managers anticipate these budget plans will affect some patients, clients and staff but they’re working to minimise these effects.
Mr Hennessy said failure to reduce costs immediately could see a requirement for severe actions to be taken later in the year that will have an even greater affect on services into the future.
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