The South Shore District Health Authority is facing a projected deficit this year of between $1.7 and $1.8 million dollars in the upcoming fiscal year, but is taking steps to reign in costs.
Theresa Hawkesworth, Director of Communication with South Shore Health says it’s primarily a utilization demand issue.
South Shore Health has also faced delays in getting last years budget approved by provincial government, which has caused a few problem in planning for this years. However they are working with a framework of previously approved budgets to build this year’s.
Not having a budget primarily impacts the board’s ability to plan for the future in areas where they might grow or help with waiting times.
However the board remains optimistic they will see some added funding to address fiscal challenges this year.
They are looking at other solutions as well, from reducing overtime to reducing managerial operating costs like travel expenses.
Hawkesworth emphasizes though these are not things that would affect patient services
“We are really scrutinizing every decision we make from a financial perspective, but no clinical services.”
nmoase@theadvance.ca
South Shore Health facing deficit
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