HSE: Patients in West will wait longer for procedures

The Health Service Executive has admitted that its cutbacks in the Western region will result in waiting times for patients in some areas and for certain procedures

The HSE plans to cut 7,000 temporary staff hours a week, and to introduce new controls on absenteeism, sick leave and student nurse numbers.

It hopes to trim €12m off its deficit every month, until the end of the year, in order to break even.

Hospital consultants in the region say the cutbacks will severely impact on patient care.