HSE CHIEF WARNS GALWAY HOSPITALS FACING SERIOUS FUNDING CHALLENGE

Date Published: 16-Jan-2012

HSE chief executive Cathal Magee says public hospitals in Galway are facing a two-fold challenge with funding their services this year.

Galway University Hospitals, which includes UHG and Merlin Park are starting 20-12 with overspend debts from last year.

They are also facing the challenge of having a reduced budget allocation for this year, compared to last year.

These hospitals, along with Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe and Roscommon general hospital will have a single budget and one employment ceiling from now on.

Cathal Magee says certain hospitals including Galway will struggle to deal with a legacy deficit.

Today, the HSE published its service plan for 20-12.

The HSE is to close over 550 public nursing beds, and warns that the money for 'Fair Deal' could run out early this year.