Job freeze imposed on hospitals in Cornwall
PAThe Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) has announced a freeze on jobs after finding itself with a budget deficit of almost £3.5m.
The trust oversees the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, St Michael’s Hospital, Hayle, and West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance.
A spokesperson said staffing accounted for 60% of its expenditure and the freeze would remain in place for the next three months.
They added: "There will be exceptions, as safe care and continuing the progress we are making in reducing waiting times will always remain our priority."
The trust currently employs about 6,700 staff.
A financial report to RCHT stated at the end of July, the trust’s financial position was £3.48m away from that planned at this point in the 2023/24 financial year.
The overall financial position in July saw a total expenditure of £225.9m against a total income of £221.8m alongside a £600,000 budget, leaving a £3.5m deficit.
The report warned if the trust reported another "material variance" there would be a risk of intervention from both the Integrated Care Board and NHS England.
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