NHS On Sound Financial Footing To Plan For The Future, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Nov 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The NHS is forecasting a financial surplus for this financial year with the vast majority of NHS trusts in balance, the Department of Health announced recently.

This position allows NHS organisations to plan better for the future, accelerate delivery on key priorities, and invest in new services for patients.

The new figures are based on the first six months of the year. Although subject to fluctuation over the rest of the financial year, they show that the NHS is forecasting a surplus of £1.8 billion at the end of 2007/08 compared to a deficit of £547m at the end of 2005/06. This surplus represents a small proportion of the overall NHS budget - just 2.3 per cent - and this money sits within the NHS and will be spent on further improving services and patient care. The gross deficit continues to decline, falling from £204 million in the first quarter of the financial year to £201 million in the second quarter.

Commenting on the figures Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The NHS is getting more efficient, generating a surplus while improving performance. This position gives individual trusts the flexibility and resources to plan for the long-term and provide better care for patients. Trusts will be able to use these resources, for example investing further in tackling healthcare associated infections and delivering faster treatment for patients."

Commenting on the report David Nicholson, Chief Executive of the NHS said: "This position represents good financial planning and provides the flexibility to accelerate the changes the NHS needs to make to ensure that patients continue to see improvements in services and delivery, such as working faster towards no patient waiting more than 18 weeks from referral to treatment.

"The NHS has a fairer and more transparent financial system than ever before - meaning it is better placed to plan for the future and respond to what patients need locally."

The figures will be included in the second NHS quarterly performance report to be published tomorrow. The report will outline progress on financial management and summarise delivery towards key targets on waiting times, tackling infection and health inequalities.

In the second quarter of 2007/08, the NHS has continued to deliver improvements to patient care, ensuring that: 98 per cent of patients were offered a GP appointment within 2 working days - and 98 per cent were offered an appointment with a primary care professional within 1 working day; The average median waiting time for diagnostic tests has fallen from 6.1 weeks in April 2006 to 2.8 weeks; Fewer patients now wait 18 weeks or less from referral to treatment - 56 per cent of admitted patients (compared to 48 per cent in January 2007) and 76 per cent of non-admitted patients; Latest figures show reductions in MRSA and C Diff in the over-65s.

Notes:

1. The WMS and full Q2 forecast finance figures are available on http://www.gnn.gov.uk as a 'related item' to the press release.

2. 'The Quarter' report updates the NHS on progress towards key priorities, including financial health. The report will be published today (Friday 30 November) at http://www.dh.gov.uk.

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