HSE West to unveil how it will wield axe on Thursday

Date Published: 20-Sep-2010

By Darragh McDonagh

The programme of cost-cutting measures devised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reduce its spending in the West by €65m by the end of the year is to be unveiled this week.

Details of the breakeven plan will be revealed to local Oireachtas members and representatives of the Regional Health Forum West at a meeting with local HSE management in Galway on Thursday.

There has been much speculation as to the jobs and services that will be affected by the cost-saving measures as the HSE seeks to eliminate its budget deficit by the beginning of 2011.

More than 500 people participated in a march from Merlin Park Hospital to Eyre Square earlier this month in protest at any possible downgrading of health services in the region.

Among those attending the meeting at 12pm on Thursday will be Independent Deputy Noel Grealish, who has threatened to withdraw his support for the Government if healthcare services in Galway are downgraded as part of the cuts

Read moe in this week’s Connacht Sentinel