|
Patient Forums highlight impact of NHS debt
The
extent and impact of the NHS financial crisis has been highlighted in a
national survey of the Patient and Public Involvement Forums.
The survey has found that over 60% of Forum Members taking
part in the believe their NHS Trust is a projecting a debt and that 46%
believe their local NHS Trust is having to cut services as a result.
The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH)
conducted the on-line poll after many Patient Forums raised concerns
with the CPPIH about the issue of NHS finance and the affect this might
have on patient services
Commentating on the results of the survey Steve Lowden, Chief Executive
of the
CPPIH
, said:
“The results are worrying and show that the current financial
situation of so many NHS Trusts across the country is having a negative
impact on patient services.
The survey has also found that only 40% of responding forums have been
consulted about changes or proposed changes to services. The Patient
Forums were set up by statute to provide a voice for patients and the
public in healthcare, yet it appears from the results of this survey
that many NHS bosses do not feel there is any reason to consult with
them.
This means that the Trusts are missing out on the opportunity to help
the public gain a better understanding of the problems services are
facing and also the opportunity to converse with patients to find
possible solutions.”
Comments from
those who took part in the survey include:
“The North Cumbria Trust is about 17 million pounds in debt. (To
tackle this) they have cut inpatient beds at local Community
Hospitals.
Cumbria
is a very rural area and this idea is
ludicrous. Dental services are being affected also.”
“Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital Trust is currently is being required
to make up a deficit of £22 million, but it is very certain that this
will not be achieved without making cuts that affect patients.
Even then, it is unlikely that the full amount will be clawed
back. If the government cancelled the ‘ground rent' on Chase Farm's
buildings, this would realise £17million straight away”
“Yorkshire Wolds & Coast PCT has anticipated to be around £11.5
million in debt.
At
present a consultation is being held regarding the closure of the
Hornsea Cottage Hospital Already they have taken a decision to close 10
of the 24 beds until January 2006 when a review will be held as to the
future.”
“Shropshire County PCT Trust & Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals
Trust have a debt of £36million. Almost all services are under review
including closing three Community Hospitals, removing acute A & E
facilities from one of the two hospitals and focussing maternity and
paediatrics on one site. The PCT/Hospital Trusts have to repay the £36million
by March 2009 and run services at the same time!”
Notes
1)
The “60 Second Poll” was completed by 367 members of the
Patient and Public Involvement Forums. The poll ran between Nov 29 and
Dec 7th 2005
.
2)
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums were launched in December
2003 to ensure an independent voice for patients and the public, in
healthcare, and in decisions that affect their health.
3)
Around 5,200 volunteers on the forums are now helping achieve
health care improvements across
England
. Details
of the work of your local PPI Forums in your area can be found on our
website, www.cppih.org
and then going to “Find my local PPI Forum”.
(11/3/06)
|
