€100m HSE over-run could mean ward closures

The HSE could be forced to close wards, cancel operations and change medical card eligibility to combat its deficit, a health economist has warned.

Dr Brendan McElroy from UCC gave the warning while commenting on the news that the Health Service's overspend could reach €100m by the end of the year.

"You're looking at fire fighting measures if they're looking to avoid the €100m overrun," Dr McElroy said.

"That's basically ward closures, cancelled operations, changes to the eligibility of the medical card scheme."

Dr McElroy also said the proposed free GP care for under-fives has not been thought out properly, and could widen the deficit even further.

"I think there isn't a strategic approach to this at all," he said. "I've no idea how they reckon that's going to happen."

The HSE says hospitals and staff have already been asked to find extra areas where costs can be cut.