Spreading of leave urged

Southern health staff will be encouraged to spread their holidays over the year, rather than concentrating them in peak summer.

To provide steady service to patients, annual leave needed to taken more evenly, Southern District Health Board chief executive Carole Heatly told the hospital advisory committee this week.

Pressure on services increased further this week, now first specialist assessments, and surgical procedures (once the patient is given a commitment) must be carried out within five rather than six months. Ms Heatly said to meet demand the board needed to operate for 12 months rather than 11.

Its overall level of annual leave liability of $25.8 million excluding joint clinical staff has been a concern, and the board has tried to reduce it. Since last June, it has increased by $1 million.

Finance director Peter Beirne told Thursday's board meeting the board had met financial year-end surgical targets, and would receive extra funding which would reduce the deficit.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement