Soaring energy costs at NHS Borders behind projected £22m overspend
'Our staff say to me a lot that they are looking for the acknowledgement that we need to radically change the health service going forward'
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
NHS Borders is predicting a £22 million overspend next year.
That's almost double the £12.2 million deficit agreed with the Scottish Government this year.
NHS Borders chief executive Ralph Roberts today (Tuesday) told the Scottish Parliament's health and social care committee an increase in energy costs is partly to blame.
MSPs heard delayed discharges are also continuing to have an impact on local health services, while extra government funding is failing to plug the gap.
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Mr Roberts said: "Our financial position has deteriorated over the last couple of years and going into next year, and a part of that - there is no doubt - is inflation.
"I think we're projecting about a million pounds more in energy costs going into next year, so it's not an insignificant figure.
"Our plan for next year has savings of about £390,000 assessed as potential from a variety of energy-efficiency schemes.
"In the longer term, we will be looking to refurbish and replace our (Borders) General Hospital - and I'm talking about 10 to 15 plus years, because I think the other bit that we are very conscious of is the overall availibility of capital is quite restricted."
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Recruitment and retention of staff was another issue raised - with NHS Borders holding a recruitment day for nurses on April 3rd.
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Mr Roberts said: "Our staff say to me a lot that they are looking for the acknowledgement that we need to radically change the health service going forward, and we need to recognise that the health service needs to continue to evolve; we can't just go on flogging the service as it currently is."
The next board meeting of NHS Borders will be held in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels, on Thursday, March 30th, from 10am to 12noon - and the public is invited to attend.
A spokesperson said: "The Board is committed to building on the strong links it has with patients, staff, local communities, disadvantaged groups and other stakeholders.
"This month’s meeting is the first of our board meetings in 2023 to take place in the local community. We will be holding board meetings in other community locations such as Peebles and Kelso later this year. Further details about these meetings will be available in due course."
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