Now we know why the Services at Bridlington Hospital have been removed; Cost saving!

Good morning to all our supporters,

From Mick Pilling Chairman Save Bridlington Hospital Action Group

A WATCHDOG has said a cash-strapped health trust has poor financial management and does not provide value for money.

A financial review by the Audit Commission showed Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare Trust, which manages Bridlington Hospital, was one of 20 trusts in England to fail across five key financial areas.

The trust was given a score of one, indicating it performed below minimum requirements.

It is the third year in a row the trust has failed to reach the targets for financial reporting, financial management, financial standing, internal control and value for money.

The trust, which has a historic debt of £20.7m, has been heavily criticised for the state of its finances in the past.

Recently it advertised for new finance staff, which would see it spending more than £350,000 on new staffing levels.

Last month campaigners fighting to save services at Bridlington Hospital were left devastated after cardiac and acute medical services were transferred to Scarborough.

Mick Pilling, chairman of the Save Bridlington Hospital Action Group , said: "I am not surprised the trust has not met the minimum requirements again.

"The reason for stepping down the services at Bridlington is because of the costs involved in running it.

"They have employed accountants, while shutting the wards, and all that money has to come out of the trust's funds.

"It stinks because they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, which is looking after the people of this town.

"This can not go on indefinitely and someone has to step in and sort this trust out."

John Scampion, interim director of finance at the trust said: "This report has come as no surprise. Many people will be aware of the severe financial difficulties, which faced us last year and in previous years.

"A long legacy of financial difficulties will, inevitably, take time to resolve.

"Despite this, the trust did achieve financial balance last year and reported a surplus of £98,000 for 2007/08.

"Going forward, our priority is to achieve long-term financial robustness."

The Audit Commission report said that nationally NHS bodies were "responding well" to financial challenges.

However, there was still cause for concern.

Michael O'Higgins, chairman of the commission, said: "Poor financial management can put services for patients at risk.

"Patients and the public deserve better from the poor performers, who must learn from the strong performers."

The report showed that the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, East Riding of $Primary Care Trust, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust were given a score of two.

The result means they are operating at minimum requirements and are giving an "adequate performance".

Link

Audit Commission @ www.audit-commission.gov.uk