Bleak outlook for health services in the West

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN HSE management are confident that there will be no further hospital bed closures in Galway this year despite the massive over-run of its budget. The stark situation facing healthcare services in the West was outlined to union and public representatives this week. The deficit grew by €2 million in just one month and as of the end of July stood at just over €49 million. [private] The Galway-Roscommon hospitals are nearly €20 million overdrawn at the moment. Top officials warned that there is absolutely no chance of a last-minute bail out by Government if the HSE West fails to balance its books in three months' time. Budget slashed The HSE West's overall budget was slashed by €120 million this year and even though it is managing to spend €48 million less than it did last year, it is struggling to cope with the increased demand on its services with a lot less money. Headford-based Co Cllr Mary Hoade says one of the worrying problems is the huge level of absenteeism among staff and the high cost of paying agency staff to cover for those out sick. She says there are 1,100 staff members across all sectors of the HSE West out sick costing the health service a whopping €5 million a month. 'It's an alarming and frightening figure. Absenteeism levels are double the acceptable rate and I don't know what can be done to address the issue,' she told The Tuam Herald. No extra funding Managers across all sectors of the health service in the West have been told to show detailed breakdowns of cost saving measures. Minister for Health James Reilly is adamant that hospitals will not be given any extra funding this year. 'We've been told coming in over budget is not an option,' remarked Cllr Hoade, who is fearful of the impact the cutbacks might have on patient care for the remainder of the year. Her concerns are echoed by staff representatives who met with HSE management this week also. Noreen Muldoon of the INMO said the scenario was very bleak and that there will be real difficulties in providing necessary services. 'Basically they have to make do with the budget they have until the end of the year even though all healthcare areas have exceeded their budgets to date,' she said. The crisis at UHG's Emergency Department continues with 38 people on trolleys according to the INMO on Tuesday. 'We've been told there are a number of initiatives being ironed out and ready to put in place such as reconfiguring wards and departments, but we don't know how or if these will really improve matters,' she explained. 'We have to wait and see. Unions and management are open to further discussions and suggestions,' said the INMO representative, who also confirmed that her union hadn't made any decision regarding possible industrial action in the near future. How to cope? Cllr Mary Hoade is extremely concerned about the ability of the local health service to cope over the next few months given the level of cost containment measures needed. 'We are heading into one of the busiest times of year. People are generally sicker in winter. I've been firmly told that no matter what crisis strikes, reopening closed beds is not an option,' she stated. [/private]