North Dublin Hospitals Get Budget Boost.

North Dublin Hospitals got above average increases in HSE hospital funding allocations for this year. The HSE has announced a 6 per cent increase in funding for Connolly Hospital, 8.4 per cent for Beaumont 5.7 per cent for the Mater. The increase nationally was 3.5 per cent.

 This is welcome news for these hospitals as they face a very challenging year ahead having run over budget in 2012. Unfortunately hospital financing is based on historical funding levels and the previous government did not allow for the increased population in the North Dublin catchment area when allocating funds over the past 15 years.

The budgets for 2013 are based on actual activity levels rather than historic budget provisions. This should empower hospitals to respond to financial issues as they arise and reduce the likelihood of a financial crisis as the year progresses.

The 2013 budget will support 2012 activity levels while allowing for projected cost increases due to demographics, technology and clinical advancements
 

All hospitals had their accumulated €271 million deficits of recent years 'written off'. However, they will now be challenged to keep within their allocations for 2013.

Connolly and Beaumont have responded to the very critical reports of the Special Delivery Unit last year and to the recent HIQA audit on hospital hygiene. As is evident from these reports there is still a lot of progress to be made and the public will expect delivery now on the investment of even more of their hard earned taxes and borrowings.