Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.7°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / NHS funding shortfall

Community health and social care director Simon Bokor-Ingram has until the end of this month to find £1.8m savings to his budget.

NHS SHETLAND must find savings of more than £1.8 million by the end of this month to pay for its share of the joint community health and social care service it runs with Shetland Islands Council.

On Thursday, the new Integration Joint Board heard that it had only budgeted £43.745 million for next year, when the final bill will be £45,606 million.

The council will meet its share of the cost, almost £21 million, for services including community care that makes up around half of its contribution at more than £10 million.

However the NHS, whose contribution covers costs such as pharmacies and prescribing, is struggling to meet its share of the bill.

Chief financial officer Karl Williamson explained that NHS Shetland’s government funding for next year was rising by 1.7 per cent, but this did not match inflation.

“We need to generate savings each year to remain in financial balance,” he said.

“Every year there is a target to be achieved and the board has not managed to achieve savings in past years, so they have accumulated.”

The NHS has never gone over budget, but has only met shortfalls in the past through keeping job posts vacant or selling off property.

Eventually the financial strain is likely to have a direct effect on services, Williamson suggested.

Community health and social care director Simon Bokor Ingram is due to present a report on how the funding gap will be filled at the next integration board meeting on 29 February.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.