NHS cutbacks claw back £11m

CASH-saving measures by NHS Oldham have already saved over £11 million.

The primary care trust responsible for the borough’s health services introduced a series of measures this financial year to avoid a potential budget deficit of £17 million. And their hard work is paying off as savings of £11.2 million have been made so far, with another five months left to claw back the remaining amount.

The primary care trust, which has not ruled out future job cuts for staff, have targeted areas where immediate savings could be made. Cuts to management costs totalling £877,000 have been made by freezing vacancies and recruitment, reducing the amount spent on agency staff and stopping the use of consultancies.

A full review of all trust buildings, the ones it owns and leases, has seen it give notice on seven leases, which will save around £180,000 by April, 2011, and £444,000 over 12 months.

Changes to maintenance, cleaning, security, and phone system contracts will help boost savings. A total of £37,000 will be saved by changing waste and cleaning contracts for all Oldham health centres, while new mobile phone contracts will secure £3,000 a month.

Moves are also under way for NHS Oldham to work together with Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust and other local primary care trusts.