The South Eastern Health Board has deferred its January meeting by a week to allow management extra time to prepare a service plan for 2003 which takes account of the board's funding allocation from the Department of Health.
Each health board in the State has been advised that its allocations for next year will not be topped up during the year, forcing each to operate within its budget, irrespective of demand for the health services.
By law, health boards are allowed just six weeks from the date they receive details of their annual allocation from the Department to draw up a service plan. With this period likely to include the Christmas holidays, SEHB members have agreed to a management request for next month's board meeting to be delayed.
The board's December meeting heard how it had overspent by €2.705 million in the 10 months to October 31st, an improvement of €1.182 million on the situation at the end of September. This progress was largely attributable to continued vacancies, delays in implementing service improvements and a reduced level of discretionary spending.
The cost of the health board's insurance rose by €1.583 million in the first 10 months of the year.
In addition, the board's finances have been hit by the winter vomiting virus which has had a major impact at Waterford Regional Hospital. Other budgetary difficulties centre on childcare, home nursing, immunisation, nursing homes, acute hospitals and community aids and appliances.
The board has contacted the Department about the additional costs associated with child care, immunisation, the winter vomiting virus, insurance and loss of income but no extra money has been allocated. Board members have been told that difficulties will continue in 2003 unless additional funding is made available.