Underfunded NHS ‘caught in eye of perfect storm’ (From York Press)

Underfunded NHS ‘caught in eye of perfect storm’

8:12am Monday 7th January 2013 in Ryedale news

THE NHS in York and North Yorkshire is “caught in the eye of the perfect storm”, a senior councillor has warned.

Coun Jim Clark, who chairs North Yorkshire County Council’s scrutiny of health committee, claimed healthcare in the region is facing one of the most critical chapters in its history.

His comments came as the primary care trust, NHS North Yorkshire and York, battles to contain a £19 million deficit prior to being disbanded in April and replaced by GP-led commissioning groups.

Multi-million pound cuts are due to be announced later this month, amid speculation that community hospitals and minor injury units could be closed and hospital beds axed.

Coun Clark said there had been years of underfunding for the PCT which had led to an unsustainable deficit.

“January is going to be a very big month for the NHS in North Yorkshire. “We are in the eye of the perfect storm as the cuts are having to be made at a time of major restructuring.”