AN Enfield hospital trust is planning to cut up to 250 jobs in the next six months as part of an enforced cost-cutting exercise.

Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust has been told to deliver an £8 million surplus by the end of the year, but currently has a £1m deficit.

A document leaked to the Enfield Independent shows bosses are planning drastic money saving measures, including cutting 250 posts across the two hospital sites.

Averil Dongworth, chief executive of the trust, said: “It is our intention to protect as many jobs as possible.

“We will also ensure that this process will not be to the detriment of our patients.”

The job losses are expected to come largely from not filling temporary posts, and redeploying existing staff to avoid redundancies.

While the cuts are considered by all departments, a recruitment freeze has been imposed.

The trust is also looking at slashing its £34m annual spend on temporary medical staff, placing a greater emphasis on permanent employees.

The document, which was distributed throughout the trust, adds: “Staff will obviously be concerned. We are working in close partnership with the trade unions to try to ensure everyone is kept informed and involved through this process.”

The cuts come ahead of an uncertain time for NHS trusts across the UK, with the Government's comprehensive spending review due to be revealed tomorrow.

North central London health trusts have revealed they are predicting a £100m deficit in budgets for this year, largely due to overspending on hospital care which is putting strain on its finances.

The hospital document acknowledges this is likely to have a knock-on effect on its own money troubles, as the primary care trusts try to reduced the amount of money it is paying out.