NWHB instructed to save €950,000

The North Western Health Board has been instructed by the Department of Health to make a saving of €950,000.

The news comes as the Western Health Board prepares to slash 200 jobs.

The board say they received detailed guidance on cutbacks from the Department of Health on August 6.

The Department has recommended the non-filling of 70 posts as a means of achieving the saving.

The North Western Health Board say they are considering the directive on posts that will not impact directly on patient services.

The board is to focus the cuts on vacant and unfilled posts and says it will engage with staff and board members over the next few weeks.