Health / Health board reports £1.9m overspend
NHS Shetland incurred a £1.9 million overspend between the start of the financial year in April and August, new figures show.
The overspend comprises of £1.3 million on the additional costs of temporary locum staff in addition to unachieved efficiency savings.
A report to health board members from finance director Colin Marsland said until GP vacancies and other unfilled posts – in areas like mental health and general medicine – are recruited to then there will be continuing cost pressures.
It said “pathway redesign models” are also being explored to reduce the reliance on locums.
But the meeting heard that new two GPs have been recruited for Scalloway and Brae.
The report notes that the board and Shetland’s health and care partnership have agreed a joint objective to achieve a sustainable financial position by 2023.
But at present there is a £2.1 million gap in the recurring savings targeted by NHS Shetland in 2021/22.
NHS Shetland’s funding allocation for 2021/22 as of August was £61 million, which included £700,000 for the response to Covid-19.
Health boards in Scotland are still required to achieve a year end balanced financial position.
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.