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The hospital where the NHS was born is planning to cut recruitment and redeploy staff under moves to avoid a forecast deficit of £7m in the next financial year.
Aneurin Bevan, architect of the NHS, visited Trafford General in 1948 to symbolically receive its keys, describing the birth of the NHS as a “milestone in history”.
But the hospital has now been forced to borrow money from the Department of Health to help pay costs, including the wages of its staff.
Steve Spoerry, interim chief executive of Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “The trust has had cash problems over the last few years that if left would build up into major financial problems this year.
“We cannot allow this to happen and are taking responsible steps to avoid a major cash deficit.
“Our challenge in 2008 is to improve the care we provide for the people of Trafford whilst also achieving a financial surplus.”
However, Unison claims almost £400,000 has been spent on management consultants which should have gone on staff.
Regional officer Nigel Flanagan said the union has submitted a number of proposals aimed at avoiding compulsory redundancies among staff, who are facing more than 200 job cuts.
Copyright © PA Business 2008
