NHS Grampian has revealed its financial recovery strategy to reduce a significant forecasted deficit of £23 million. This comprehensive recovery plan, submitted to the Scottish government, aims to address financial issues by reducing certain hospital services, ceasing specific provisions, and streamlining outpatient care.
One critical area targeted in the savings plan includes reducing the number of services available during public holidays. The measures will affect cancer day services, paediatric elective surgeries, and non-critical radiology services, specifically aiming to lower unsociable-hours payments to hospital staff.
Nappy Provision to be Stopped in Hospitals
In an effort to cut costs, NHS Grampian will cease providing disposable nappies for healthy newborns in hospital maternity units. However, the plan makes clear that this decision will not affect babies requiring special-sized nappies in neonatal care units.
Reduction in Spiritual Care Services
The recovery plan also identifies spiritual care provision as an area for financial savings, proposing a reduction in staffing levels for spiritual services offered within NHS Grampian.
Outpatient Waiting Lists to be Reduced by 30%
Significant changes are proposed for outpatient services, including a reduction of outpatient waiting lists by around 30%. Patients will increasingly receive results via phone calls or letters to reduce the need for in-person clinic appointments.
Escalation and Monitoring
These financial saving measures follow the recent escalation of NHS Grampian to stage four of NHS Scotland’s National Performance Framework due to ongoing financial and governance concerns. The Scottish government has set a maximum allowable overspend at £45 million for the board. Failure to achieve these savings could result in further escalations and jeopardize the ability to sustain current service levels.
Future Planning and Next Steps
NHS Grampian’s board will review the financial recovery plan on Thursday, with members expected to endorse the proposed measures. Additionally, a detailed three-year financial recovery strategy will be developed and presented to the board in October to outline further long-term financial stability efforts.
