NHS heading for £2bn ‘meltdown’

Royal College of Nursing boss Janet Davies wants a funding increase

NHS trusts in England have racked up a £1.6billion deficit in only six months  the worst shortfall on record.

Experts say the Health Service is in “financial meltdown” for the first time.
It is now predicted the trusts will end the year £2.2billion in debt.

The overspend for the entire previous year was £820million. Sky-high agency staff costs to cover shortages are blamed.
Patients spending too long in hospital amid community care hold-ups had an impact too.

A report by regulator Monitor and the Trust Development Authority said key care targets were also missed. Richard Murray, of the King’s Fund health charity, said the NHS was “in the grip of an unprecedented financial meltdown”.


He added: “It is no longer possible for the vast majority of NHS providers to maintain standards of care and balance their budgets.”
Royal College of Nursing boss Janet Davies called for an urgent funding increase. And Dr Ian Wilson, of the British Medical Association, said: “Despite politicians’ claims, funding has not kept up with rising patient demand or the increased cost of modern medicine.”