HSE chief says budget allocation must be exceeded to avoid harm to patients

HSE chief Bernard Gloster warned that the budget shortfall will mean cutbacks in funding for development and clinical programmes in areas such as cancer and stroke care. Picture: Denis Minihane

The HSE’s chief executive has admitted harm will "certainly" be caused to patients if the HSE does not spend more than was allocated to health in last week's budget.

Bernard Gloster will build a deficit into the next service plan he submits to the Department of Health.