asked the Minister for Health the services that have been curtailed in each health board area as a result of the cutbacks in 1984.
Written Answers. - Curtailment of Health Services.
493.
The measures taken by health boards in the current year to secure reductions in expenditure have, in general, been concentrated largely in the area of institutional services, in accordance with the guidelines which issued from my Department when notifying health boards of their non-capital allocations for 1984. Health boards were asked to secure reductions in expenditure to the greatest degree possible in the institutional services, to protect as far as possible the community services and to give priority in the allocation of funds to individuals and groups most at risk.
The measures which were introduced by health boards in the area of institutional services included reductions in payroll costs by means of curtailing the filling of vacancies, restricting locum cover, overtime, on-call levels and night duty and weekend staffing levels. Stock levels are also being reduced and savings in purchasing and housekeeping arrangements generally are being effected. Certain health boards have closed hospital wards for limited periods mainly during the summer months.
Some health boards have found it necessary to secure limited reductions in expenditure in the community services area, mainly in the arrangements for providing dental and ophthalmic services for adults.