Hospitals in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Ashburton and Bovey Tracey could all be hit by bed closures as the new Devon NHS Primary Care Trust struggles to overcome a £15 million cash crisis. 'Low priority' services such as IVF, orthodontics, breast augmentation and reduction could be axed and job losses are on the cards after the trust said it would review all short-term and fixed contracts and 'review the role' of staff employed for less than two years. The latest cuts were announce just a week after the trust cut the opening hours at the district's minor injury units. A freeze on administration posts introduced by the old trusts in July 2005 has to date saved £1.3 million countywide. The new chief executive, Dr Kevin Snee, whose Devon PCT took over in October, said the extra measures could bring the savings up to approximately £15 million. The trust has said that would be enough to bring its 'close to a break even situation'. Dr Snee said of the proposals: 'If we can succeed in implementing the package of measures... I am confident we can live within our means and provide the very best levels of healthcare for the people of Devon. 'If we fail to live within our means much cherished local services may come under threat. I am determined to ensure that doesn't happen.' Up to 100 beds across the county could close 'temporarily' under the cost-cutting regime, adding to the 100 already mothballed. 'Unnecessary' outpatient follow up appointments, a reduction in the number of consultant to consultant referrals and fewer treatments outside the trust are also likely. A full review of services is due to begin in January and details of a public consultation are due to be announced. Reaction to the cuts has not been favourable. Typical was that from Ashburton mayor, Cllr Wendy Gill, who has already had to fight to maintain the town's minor injury unit. 'I was really quite shocked I have to say,' she said. 'I was unaware of any of this and it is something we must fight. We definitely don't want to lose what we have, which is a grand hospital that serves the community well. 'As a council we shall work with the league of friends and do what we can to ensure its survival.' Councils across the district are seeking urgent talks with the trust.
