HSE set to come in under budget for 2010

THE Health Service Executive’s latest performance report indicates that it will have come in under budget at the end of 2010.

At the end of November it had spent €11.791 billion, against a year-to-date budget of €11.857bn — around difference of €66m.

The report points out, however, that hospitals were running at a deficit of €86m. Community services were also running a deficit of €4.8m.

The shortfalls were largely offset by savings made in other areas, particularly the Primary Care Reimbursement Service that is responsible for making payments to health professionals.

It also points out that the number of full-time staff members at 108,159 was 1,518 below the approved ceiling of 109,677 and that the health service would be operating within the end of year ceiling.

There were 150 junior hospital doctors vacancies at the end of November, which, in many instances, were being filled by temporary staff or short-term contractual arrangements.

A total of 2,003 people had availed of early retirement and voluntary severance schemes at the end of November, with payments totalling around €101m. About 70% of those were in management or administration. There were 141 senior managers availing of the schemes — a reduction of almost 20% in senior administrative managers.

Spending on medical cards and other drugs schemes is €50m less than budgeted because the age profile of applicants was less expensive than anticipated, and drug costs reduced.

The review also shows that more than 17,000 applications have been received for the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal), with 75% processed up to November. The €979m provided to fund the scheme in 2010 would be sufficient.

The number of patients who were awaiting step-down care — delayed discharges — rose from 539 in October to 576 in November.