Health chiefs may have to find cash from their own budget to fund new intensive care beds beyond the next year.

The concerns came after Oxfordshire was awarded £750,000 from the Government for three new beds.

Government ministers handed over the money after revelations earlier this month that one-in-five emergency care patients rushed into intensive care in the county were being turned away because of a lack of beds.

Health officials blamed a shortage of intensive care beds and qualified intensive care nurses, combined with cases of flu sweeping the county.

Bosses of Oxfordshire Health Authority appreciated the extra cash, but were concerned that it was only a one-off payment. Michael Taylor, chief executive of Oxfordshire Health Authority, said: "This is a national priority and they have recognised that. My main concern is that this money has been allocated on a non-recurrent basis."

He said the health authority might have to find its own money to allow the three extra beds to continue operating beyond a year.

Nick Relph, director of finance for Oxfordshire, said the Government cash would cover only staffing costs and the cost of establishing the beds for the first year.

Even then, gases and drugs used in the treatment of patients would not be included, which would leave the health authority to funding a shortfall of £250,000 this year, and much more in future years.

The three extra beds at the John Radcliffe Hospital will take the number of intensive care beds in the county to 30.

Story date: Thursday 28 January

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