NHS Grampian has revealed it will scrap free nappies for newborns, reduce the number of public holiday appointments and cut spiritual care in a bid to save £23 million.
The health board has submitted a recovery plan to the Scottish Government, detailing how it intends to reduce its forecasted deficit.
NHS Grampian is one of 14 regional health boards in Scotland and manages two hospitals, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Current forecasts expect the health board to exceed the maximum deficit set by the Scottish Government by £23m, and so savings have been proposed.
Details of the plan, which will be presented NHS Grampian bosses on Thursday, include:
- a proposed reduction in return outpatient waiting lists of 30%. This would see outpatients receive results by phone or letter to reduce clinic appointments where appropriate.
- cancer day services, paediatric elective surgeries and non-critical radiology services would be reduced on public holidays to save money on staff
- disposable nappies for babies born in hospitals and maternity units will be stopped, however, this would not be the case for babies who are admitted to the neo-natal unit.
- the type of vascular stent used for some patients would be changed
- a reduction in the delivery of spiritual care provision with reduced staff
The papers plan has said: “There are a number of risks associated with the financial recovery plan for 2025/26 which would leave NHS Grampian with no flexibility to manage any in year cost pressures that arise.”
Discussions took place in April to focus on how to reduce the overspending to £45m or less by this time next year. This is the amount of time the Government has given the board.
A Scottish Government spokesperson previously said: “The Scottish Government continues to support NHS Grampian Board to develop a Financial Recovery Plan in line with the timeframe agreed.”
