CONCERN FOR PATIENTS AS GALWAY HOSPITALS BUDGETS CUT

Date Published: 14-Jan-2008

Concern is mounting for patients at Galway's 3 public hospitals which have had their budgets for this year cut because of inefficiencies.Merlin Park Hospital will suffer the biggest budget cut with over 257 thousand euro less this year.University Hospital Galway will lose funding of over 248 thousand euro while the budget for Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is to be decreased by over 42 thousand euro.These cuts are part of a scheme implemented by the Department of Health, which rewards or penalises hospitals across the country based on their efficiency levels.The adjustments are made based on hospitals' throughput of patients and the cost of treating patients with similiar conditions in other hospitals.