Press Release

Patient Forums highlight impact of NHS debt

28 February 2006

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 survey believe that 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 (Nov 29 – Dec 7th) 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 to Editors:

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) For more details, or to arrange interviews or pictures, please call Karen Leech on 0191 448 4303 or email karen.leech@cppih.org

3) 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.

4)  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”.

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