HSE to impose €130m of cost saving measures

The Health Service Executive is to impose €130m of cost saving measures before the end of the year.

The HSE is running a budget deficit of €259m after funding reductions of €2.5bn since the beginning of 2010.

It says while every effort is being made to target areas that don't impact on patient services some disruption is inevitable.

The additional measures include a €35m reduction in the use of agency staff and overtime and €26.5m savings on medical equipment and furniture.

Home Help hours are also being cut further by 5.5% saving almost €11m.