Job freeze imposed on hospitals in Cornwall

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) has announced a freeze on jobs after finding itself with a budget deficit of almost £3.5m.

The trust oversees the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, St Michael’s Hospital, Hayle, and West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance.

A spokesperson said staffing accounted for 60% of its expenditure and the freeze would remain in place for the next three months.

They added: "There will be exceptions, as safe care and continuing the progress we are making in reducing waiting times will always remain our priority."

The trust currently employs about 6,700 staff.

A financial report to RCHT stated at the end of July, the trust’s financial position was £3.48m away from that planned at this point in the 2023/24 financial year.

The overall financial position in July saw a total expenditure of £225.9m against a total income of £221.8m alongside a £600,000 budget, leaving a £3.5m deficit.

The report warned if the trust reported another "material variance" there would be a risk of intervention from both the Integrated Care Board and NHS England.