Health trust could cut 200 jobs

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More than 200 jobs could be axed at a Greater Manchester NHS trust as it attempts to avoid a £7m deficit.

Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust has been struggling with cash problems for a number of years and hopes the action can avoid "major financial problems".

Bosses also plan to close two wards and two operating theatres and have been forced to borrow £3m from the government to pay staff wages.

Unions said staff had concerns about how the proposals may affect patients.

But the trust, which provides services at Altrincham General, Trafford and Stretford Memorial hospitals, believes it can treat the same number of patients by working more efficiently.

Health bosses hope to avoid redundancies by putting a freeze on recruitment and switching people to other jobs.

'Responsible steps'

The trust already has a £3m financial deficit and this is predicted to rise to £7m in the next financial year unless action is taken.

Its "turnaround plan" has been approved by the Strategic Health Authority.

"The trust has had cash problems over the last few years that, if left, would build up into major financial problems this year," said interim chief executive Steve Spoerry.

"We cannot allow this to happen and are taking responsible steps to avoid a major cash deficit.

"We will continue to deliver the highest standards of healthcare but in the most efficient ways possible in order to meet our obligations to taxpayers."

Union Unison said it would oppose any compulsory redundancies caused by the trust's "financial mismanagement".

Trafford General was the first NHS hospital to open 60 years ago in 1948.