Wards close, operations on hold in drastic move

HEALTH and Social Services has announced a series of drastic cuts to save money after confirming that it would overspend its budget by £2.5m. this year.

Minister Hunter Adam, pictured, said in a statement released today it was with 'great reluctance' that his department would take the action to curb costs.

The cuts, which take effect from Saturday, are to:

• Defer all non-emergency and non-urgent off-island treatment until January.

• Close a surgical ward and a theatre, and postpone all elective, contract surgery until January.

• Close Divette Ward and relocate patients to other ‘appropriate placements’.

• Cease recruitment to vacant posts, unless the post is demonstrated to be essential for patient, service user or public safety, and a business case is approved by all directors.

• Minimise the use of agency staff to provide cover and increase the use of bank and part-time staff wherever possible.

• Minimise weekend overtime duties and defer weekend work to weekdays wherever this is clinically appropriate.

Deputy Adam said the department was under significant financial pressure.