Northern Ireland's health and social care trusts are anticipated to announce proposals detailing how they intend to achieve savings of up to 12%. This comes as the health service in Northern Ireland currently faces a funding gap of £800m.
Health unions have stated that services and jobs, including those of porters and cleaners, will be affected. The Department of Health (DoH) and the health trusts are expected to officially respond on how these efficiencies could be implemented.
The £800m funding gap includes £300m allocated for pay awards and the Real Living Wage for 2026-2027. A recent health committee heard that making 12% savings in a single year was not considered feasible, with officials hoping the target could be spread over several years.