HEALTH chiefs in the Southern Trust have been slammed for picking up multi-million pound pension pots while funding cuts savage services.
Two of the Trust’s senior bosses – medical director Dr Paddy Loughran and chief executive Colm Donaghy – can together look forward to total pensions worth more than £2.2m.
Dr Loughran, who takes home a salary of around £190,000, will receive a pension of between £60,000-£65,000 a year from a pot of £1.4m. He is also due to receive a tax-free lump sum of up to £190,000 upon his retirement, making him the biggest earner across all Trusts in the north.
Mr Donaghy meanwhile, whose salary comes in at around £120,000, has an expected pension of between £40,000-£45,000 per year from a pot of £834,000 and a lump sum on retirement of between £125,000-£130,000.
The revelations come as pensioners across the Trust are left reeling after funding for their meals on wheels service was butchered.
It’s a situation that councillor Terry Hearty, who fought to save the service, has branded as disgraceful.
“The loss of meals on wheels will have a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. For those living in rural areas and those who have disabilities the effects will be even greater,” the Sinn Fein man said.
“The decision the Trust took over meals on wheels was an extremely harsh one, which simply can’t be justified. I personally pleaded with Trust representatives to rethink and come to their senses but they weren’t for turning.
“It’s disgraceful that as they are making such a brutal cut to a vital service, they are also able to pay their head honchos such ridiculous sums of money. Instead of effectively punishing older people, the Trust should be targeting these ludicrous salaries and pension packages.”
But the Trust yesterday (Monday) defended the payouts, pointing out that as medical director, Dr Loughran carries “significant responsibility ensuring patient safety and quality of care to a population of 350,000 people as well as accountability for the medical workforce”.
“Dr Loughran’s salary reflects 30 years’ experience in his profession and is in line with the terms and conditions set for Consultants by the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety. It also reflects his previous role as Medical Director in the former Newry and Mourne Trust,” a spokeswoman said.
“In addition his salary reflects the Higher Clinical Excellence Awards he has attracted in recognition of his significant contribution to medicine. His pension entitlement, including a lump sum, is based on his years of service and level of contributions paid in to the scheme.”