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Health trusts run up £74m deficit Health trusts run up £76m deficit
(about 3 hours later)
The BBC has learned that five of Northern Ireland's six health trusts will run up a total deficit of over £74m by the end of this financial year. The BBC has learned that five of Northern Ireland's six health trusts will run up a total deficit of almost £76m by the end of this financial year.
The shortfall in their budgets comes on top of the pressures they face to make efficiency savings in order to meet government spending targets.The shortfall in their budgets comes on top of the pressures they face to make efficiency savings in order to meet government spending targets.
The Belfast and Northern health trusts are most in the red and both face end-of-year deficits of around £25m. The Belfast and Northern health trusts are most in the red and both face end-of-year deficits of about £25m.
However, the Ambulance Service health trust projected a surplus of £38,000. The Ambulance Service health trust projected a deficit of £1.5m.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has the third highest deficit at £12.4m.The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has the third highest deficit at £12.4m.
PROJECTED DEFICITS Belfast trust: £25mNorthern trust: £24.9mSouth Eastern trust: £12.5mWestern Trust: £8mSouthern trust: £4mAmbulance Service trust: £38,000 surplus PROJECTED DEFICITS Belfast trust: £25mNorthern trust: £24.9mSouth Eastern trust: £12.5mWestern Trust: £8mSouthern trust: £4mAmbulance Service trust: £1.5m
The Western trust is facing a £8m shortfall while the Southern trust's deficit is £4m.The Western trust is facing a £8m shortfall while the Southern trust's deficit is £4m.
As well as making year-on-year savings, the health trusts are obliged to meet waiting list targets.As well as making year-on-year savings, the health trusts are obliged to meet waiting list targets.
On Thursday, the Belfast Trust confirmed that it was suspending the practice of hiring private clinics to perform NHS operations.On Thursday, the Belfast Trust confirmed that it was suspending the practice of hiring private clinics to perform NHS operations.
Local doctors have predicted that the move will have a massive impact on waiting times for patients.Local doctors have predicted that the move will have a massive impact on waiting times for patients.
However, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said health cuts will not stop hospitals providing the best quality care.However, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said health cuts will not stop hospitals providing the best quality care.