A CASH-STRAPPED NHS trust which looks after three major hospitals in Essex is looking to cut 600 jobs as it faces "the most complex challenges”.

NHS England has effectively put the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust in special measures due to its financial deficit.

Chief executive Matthew Hopkins said the trust will look closely at roles that have been vacant for some time to see whether they are “genuinely needed and represent value for money”.

A report to board members said the “financial plan was showing a deficit position and the two main areas of focus would be to reduce the cost of staff - especially the temporary staff spend”.

It added the trust, which runs Broomfield, Basildon and Southend hospitals, had been asked to pursue three new "stretch" schemes ultimately resulting in a £102.5million deficit.

Nigel Beverley, chairman of the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust board, told a meeting last week: “Just be reassured as a board this problem is being taken very seriously and we will find a resolution to it.”

In March, the trust delivered a £43.1million surplus, with a £29.7million deficit year to date.

Mr Hopkins said: “The Mid and South Essex healthcare system has a long history of financial difficulties and this year will be even more challenging for our trust.

“National oversight has increased and we are working as partners across the system to implement a range of measures to deliver financial recovery.

“As part of that work, we are looking at our staffing models with a view to reducing the overall headcount by 600.

"The number of posts and roles has grown by 2,000 in recent years, so we need to look closely at roles that have been vacant for some time to see whether they are genuinely needed and represent value for money.”

A report to the board said the trust is facing the "most complex challenges" to improve the financial position of the trust "sustainably" in the future.