HSE set to wield axe to save €302m

THE HSE is seeking another €302 million in cutbacks and “contingency measures” across all sectors by the end of this year in an “ambitious” last-ditch attempt to come in on budget.

The plan, which will cause yet more pain for patients and frontline staff, was confirmed in the HSE’s latest performance monitoring report, which was signed off on during Thursday’s board meeting.

According to the document, senior health service officials are planning to force through €249m of cuts and staff cost reductions — including the continuation of the recruitment ban and significant reductions on agency and overtime payments.