Menu
19/05/2008
Belfast Nursing Posts May Be Lost
A confidential report - the details of which have just been 'leaked' - is highlighting the possible loss of as many as 3,000 health service jobs in the Belfast area.
Numbers of nurses would be worst hit by the alleged cost-cutting proposals that are expected to be implemented over the next three years in the Belfast Trust area.
Brian Campfield of health union, Nipsa, said 2,700 to 3,000 could be affected by the radical plans.
However, the Trust said it was "not planning to close or cut services" but looking at ways of doing things better.
This is despite the Irish News reporting that "unprecedented" financial targets had to be met as part of government-led savings, with £130m to be cut from the trust's budget by 2011.
Referring to the leaked document, the Belfast newspaper said that job cuts would be achieved through early retirement and voluntary redundancy packages but, in some cases, employees who persistently miss work should also be targeted.
Speaking on the BBC this morning, Mr Campfield said while he had not seen any leaked reports, he was aware that union representatives had been consulting about cutbacks with the Belfast Trust.
"The cutbacks arise from a number of sources, from the Comprehensive Spending Review, from the efficiency savings within that, and also from the deficit that the legacy trust carried over into the new Belfast Trust," he said.
"There are a range of factors coming together which have created a very difficult financial situation.
"The reality is that if we are talking about 3,000 less workers within the Belfast trust, then that is inevitably going to have a major impact upon the services that's delivered. I have no idea how the trust, or any other trust could make those sort of cutbacks and still maintain the level of service."
In response, a statement from the Belfast Trust said all trusts in Northern Ireland had been asked to meet 3% efficiency savings target, set for the whole of the public sector.
This would cover the next three years and has been agreed by the assembly: "Media coverage of how trusts set about achieving these types of targets can often over simplify the issues - presenting them as cuts, closures or job losses," it said.
"We are not planning to close or cut services, but we are looking at better ways of doing things better. As part of that process we are discussing a range of options are taking a number of suggestions from front line staff."
(BMcC)
Numbers of nurses would be worst hit by the alleged cost-cutting proposals that are expected to be implemented over the next three years in the Belfast Trust area.
Brian Campfield of health union, Nipsa, said 2,700 to 3,000 could be affected by the radical plans.
However, the Trust said it was "not planning to close or cut services" but looking at ways of doing things better.
This is despite the Irish News reporting that "unprecedented" financial targets had to be met as part of government-led savings, with £130m to be cut from the trust's budget by 2011.
Referring to the leaked document, the Belfast newspaper said that job cuts would be achieved through early retirement and voluntary redundancy packages but, in some cases, employees who persistently miss work should also be targeted.
Speaking on the BBC this morning, Mr Campfield said while he had not seen any leaked reports, he was aware that union representatives had been consulting about cutbacks with the Belfast Trust.
"The cutbacks arise from a number of sources, from the Comprehensive Spending Review, from the efficiency savings within that, and also from the deficit that the legacy trust carried over into the new Belfast Trust," he said.
"There are a range of factors coming together which have created a very difficult financial situation.
"The reality is that if we are talking about 3,000 less workers within the Belfast trust, then that is inevitably going to have a major impact upon the services that's delivered. I have no idea how the trust, or any other trust could make those sort of cutbacks and still maintain the level of service."
In response, a statement from the Belfast Trust said all trusts in Northern Ireland had been asked to meet 3% efficiency savings target, set for the whole of the public sector.
This would cover the next three years and has been agreed by the assembly: "Media coverage of how trusts set about achieving these types of targets can often over simplify the issues - presenting them as cuts, closures or job losses," it said.
"We are not planning to close or cut services, but we are looking at better ways of doing things better. As part of that process we are discussing a range of options are taking a number of suggestions from front line staff."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
23 November 2001
First Trust continue investment in online services
First Trust Bank have announced that they have made a major six figure investment in their online and telephone banking service. Announcing the substantial investment, Kieran Bennett, Head of Retail Banking directly challenged the perception that internet banking was not a popular service delivery channel among banking customers.
First Trust continue investment in online services
First Trust Bank have announced that they have made a major six figure investment in their online and telephone banking service. Announcing the substantial investment, Kieran Bennett, Head of Retail Banking directly challenged the perception that internet banking was not a popular service delivery channel among banking customers.
22 September 2017
Around 65 Beds To Go Across Northern Health Trust Area
Around 65 beds are to go across the Northern Health Trust area as part of planned cuts to services, the trust has said. 44 beds are being axed at Whiteabbey Hospital in Co Antrim. Management said the cuts were "temporary" at a public meeting in Newtownabbey on Thursday, 21 September. The beds could go as early as Novemeber.
Around 65 Beds To Go Across Northern Health Trust Area
Around 65 beds are to go across the Northern Health Trust area as part of planned cuts to services, the trust has said. 44 beds are being axed at Whiteabbey Hospital in Co Antrim. Management said the cuts were "temporary" at a public meeting in Newtownabbey on Thursday, 21 September. The beds could go as early as Novemeber.
13 September 2002
Civic Trust recognises outstanding NI architecture
Civic Trust Awards were today presented to four of Northern Ireland’s outstanding examples of architectural design. The Civic Trust Awards are one of the UK’s most prestigious award schemes for architecture and environmental design. Every year the Civic Trust gives out a range of awards: Special Awards, Awards, Commendations and Mentions.
Civic Trust recognises outstanding NI architecture
Civic Trust Awards were today presented to four of Northern Ireland’s outstanding examples of architectural design. The Civic Trust Awards are one of the UK’s most prestigious award schemes for architecture and environmental design. Every year the Civic Trust gives out a range of awards: Special Awards, Awards, Commendations and Mentions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
