West awaits €50m health cuts

SAVAGE health cuts of almost €50 million will have to be imposed in the west of Ireland by the end of the year, it has been revealed.

And while ‘serious efforts’ are to be made to recoup €10m owed to the HSE West by private health insurers, health bosses in the region say the only way to stop a budget overrun into next year is to bring in sweeping cuts across the board. A further €32m is outstanding from private health insurers but is budgeted to be collected this year.

HSE West regional director of operations John Hennessy said it could be worse next year when there could be further budget reductions of €600m to €700m nationally.