It has been revealed that the South London Healthcare, which is set to be taken over by an administrator for an overhaul, had spent a whopping £ 1million for getting money-saving tips from consultant Tim Bolot.

Bolot has suggested reducing overtime payments and the wages of frontline staff. However, despite the tips, the trust has not been able to sustain its expenses and has become the first trust in the UK to be put into special measures. The move has sparked concerns that many people will looe their jobs and wards might be closed.

The trust, which runs Queen Mary Hospital in Sidcup, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and the Princess Royal Hospital in Bromley, will be taken over by a special administrator having powers to sack staff and reduce services at the units aimed at cutting costs.

This is the first case in which, the powers have been used by the authorities and is likely to result in reductions in staff and services. The trust has run into a huge debt problem following two large PFI deals that costs £61m in interest payments a year.

The announcement of takeover by the administrator comes just days after trust's chief executive Dr Chris Streather announced his resignation.