Voluntary sector faces £5m review

Health chiefs are launching a review into spending worth more than £5m with voluntary sector groups in North Yorkshire.

Managers say they will protect services provided to the most vulnerable including the frail elderly, those with dementia and carers but organisations providing other services will face cuts of four per cent from April.

The review will examine the current shape of services with further decisions over funding to be put in effect from October as they seek to find huge savings.

The deputy chief executive of NHS North Yorkshire and York, Sue Metcalfe, said: “We recognise the excellent contribution that voluntary organisations can make to health care and patient support. The review we are undertaking aims to make sure all the voluntary organisations work more collaboratively, focus on their core business, avoid duplication and to ensure the contracts provide value for money for taxpayers.”