Local NHS reaches a healthy financial target

Health chiefs from Heywood, Middleton and Oldham are 'performing well' in managing their budget according to a new report released today (Thursday 2 October).

Financially Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust has performed above requirements according to the Audit Commission review of performance 2007/08.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale scored a three, to highlight a trust 'performing well', out of a maximum of four possible points for its accounting performance.

North West Ambulance Service scored a two, to represent 'adequate performance'. Pennine Acute NHS Hospitals Trust, who run Rochdale Infirmary and some services at Birch Hill, also ranked two, an improvement on the 'inadequate performance' that they scored last year.

A Pennine Acute Trust spokesman said: “Our financial recovery programme has seen us pay off this historic debt of more than £9m in one year, the financial year 2007-08, rather than the planned two years. We also hit all of our financial targets for 2007-08.

“The people who deserve the credit for this are the frontline staff who manage budgets while ensuring the we deliver the best possible service. We certainly plan to build on this work as we go forward, and would hope that future ALE scores reflect that.

“Surpluses which we can generate will be invested into our services. Solid finances support the future development of services, and we are determined not to go into debt again.”