Unions: HSE leaving us in dark over cuts

UNIONS have complained of being left in the dark over widely expected cutbacks in the health services over the coming months.

No immediate cuts were ordered by the Health Service Executive at its monthly board meeting yesterday, but management were left in no doubt that spending would have to be reined in sooner rather than later.

A renewed recruitment freeze, a ban on the use of agency workers and locums, and the temporary closure of some hospital wards are all being considered in an attempt to bring costs back within budget.