2,500 Health Service Job Cuts Expected

Around 2,500 Northern Ireland health service jobs are at risk due to financial restrictions on the health department, according to Michael McGimpsey.

The Health Minister revealed that under new plans - which would take place over the next three years - around 700 nursing posts are at risk, as well as 900 administrative jobs and 450 secretarial positions.

Mr McGimpsey said he wants to make the £344 million savings in line with Stormont efficiency plans plans.

He also expressed hopes the posts could be eased through planned reductions such as retirements or compulsory redundancies.

The Health Minister said it was necessary to make the cuts due to increased financial pressure on the department.

He said: "It is all about taking money out, yes. But we are reinvesting that money in. It's about making the system more efficient.

"The fact is that the demands on the health service are rising every year and we have to get more efficient, because if we don't do that, we will eventually run out of money."

The Stormont health committee underlined the proposals yesterday, following discussions. Consultations will be carried out by each health trust, before the final decision is made in the New Year.

The Royal College of Nursing's Mary Hinds argued that, while the efficiency targets were planned to free up frontline services, it was the nurses - who would see almost 700 job cuts - who are in the frontline.

"Should this plan be implemented, we are very worried, not only about the nurses who may lose their jobs, but also for those left behind who will inevitably be under even greater pressure," she said.

(JM/KMcA)