HSE rejects managing information claim

LOCAL Health Service Executive (HSE) managers have rejected a claim they are attempting to “manage information” about proposed health cuts in the Mid-West in a bid to avoid a political backlash against the Government.

HSE West Forum member, Brian Meaney claimed at a forum meeting in Galway on Tuesday that management seemed to be “suppressing facts” by declining to divulge details of future cutbacks in expenditure in acute hospitals in the region.
Having attended a local briefing for Clare Forum members and Oireachtas members on Monday, Councillor Meaney alleged the overall presentation was very vague, with very little supporting documentation.
He wondered if management is making sure they are not “frightening TDs or giving them cause to run to the hills”.
He made the claim in light of concern about warnings issued by Galway Independent Deputy Noel Grealish and South Tipperary Fianna Fáil Deputy Mattie McGrath that their support for the Government couldn’t be guaranteed if further health cuts are implemented.
However, regional director of HSE West operations, John Hennessy rejected the suggestion the HSE is in the business of managing information for political reasons.
Mr Hennessy stressed the only agenda is to deliver its service plan within budget and they had consistently provided regular updates on what needed to be implemented to achieve this objective.
He was supported by assistant national director John O’Brien, who stressed management had no intention of suppressing information and wondered if Councillor Meaney wished to participate in the media circus concerning the cuts.
Mr O’Brien offered to give Councillor Meaney the information provided during the briefing on Monday and noted all questions raised were answered on the day.
Forum members were told during the meeting that every healthcare facility in the region must operate within its allocated budget for 2010, as the HSE West has to save another €49.5 million by the end of the year.
Measures include reduction in hours for temporary staff of 7,000 per week, further planned seasonal closures of theatres and a greater move towards day-care activity.
Absenteeism, which is costing the HSE West €5m a year, will be controlled, as well as sick leave replacement.
HSE West has an allocated budget of €2.1bn for 2010. Mr Hennessy said, “Like every public service organisation, we have to live within our allocated budget.
“The simple fact is that there is no more money available and every healthcare facility in the country must deliver its agreed level of services within the available budget.
“The HSE has already achieved significant savings this year in non-frontline areas and the cost-containment plans must continue to ensure that high-quality patient services can continue to be delivered over the full course of this year,” he added.