The Public Accounts Committee published the reportSustainability and financial performance of acute hospital trustson 15 March 2016. The report concludes the financial performance of NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts are worsening, with a £22 billion efficiency gap. Yet the Government has not come up with a convincing plan to avoid a ‘black hole’ in the NHS finances.

Commenting on “Sustainability and financial performance of acute hospital trusts”, a report by the Public Accounts Committee, Committee Member and Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson said:

“The Committee has found that NHS trusts face a multi-billion pound shortfall in funding, which is unsustainable.

“A lack of skilled and technical staff means NHS trusts are being forced to reply on agency staff to fill gaps in capacity.

“The Committee has recommended that NHS trusts in deficit have a realistic recovery plan by the start of the new financial year in addition to several other recommendations. The government needs to ensure the sustainability of the NHS thousands of patients rely on each and every day.”

For more information on this report and how north east hospital trusts are doing, please read this article on Chronicle Live.