Connolly hospital faces €8-€9m cut

CONNOLLY HOSPITAL in Blanchardstown in Dublin is facing a cut of between €8 million and €9 million in its budget next year, campaigners have claimed.

In a statement yesterday the Defend Blanchardstown Hospital campaign said a 10 per cent reduction in staff numbers was also being planned. It said the personnel cuts would be met through natural wastage, with a surge of departures expected before the February deadline for public servants to retire and maintain pension benefits

Campaigners said consultants had been told that emergency department services were to be given priority next year and all other services would face cuts.

Campaigners said the cuts included a 4 per cent reduction in the hospital’s budget for next year while it would also have to deal with a €4 million deficit being carried forward into 2012.

The HSE in Dublin North East said: “Senior management HSE Dublin North East met with the medical board of Connolly hospital on November 9th.

“It was highlighted at the meeting that Connolly hospital would have a projected overspend of €5.8 million at year end. While management await the details of the 2012 budget, this projected overspend coupled with whatever reduction may come via next year’s budget means that the challenges will be significant in 2012.

“The hospital is ahead of service targets in 2011 and its cost containment plan includes curtailment of services to service targets.”