HEALTH chiefs fear they could be £3.5 million in debt this year as the pressures of treating patients during winter takes hold.

Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust's prediction is almost

£1 million more than last month's

forecast.

Managers have ruled out closing wards to save money but are examining every aspect of the trust's finances to see how they can make ends meet.

A trust spokesman said: "We have decided against the closure of wards, particularly as we approach this very busy winter and holiday period.

"A recovery plan is being put in place."

The trust's financial problems have been caused by rising demand for emergency beds, escalating drug costs, increased spending on agency staff and cuts in

Government funding.

The recovery plan includes hiring fewer nurses from employment agencies and keeping a tighter control on drug prescriptions.

More long-term changes include opening a new admission ward and children's centre at Worthing and the possible use of the Homefield mental health unit when Worthing Priority Care Trust moves out in 2001.

Trevor Richards, chief officer for patients' watchdog Worthing and District Community Health Council, said a key problem seemed to be the trust was treating more patients than it was funded for.

He urged West Sussex Health Authority and the trust to work together to see whether any non-essential spending could be stopped to release more cash.

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