Call for 'more transparency' over NHS Devon plans to save £200 million
An open letter has been written by MP Richard Foord, with the NHS also responding to the concerns publicly
Last updated 13th Dec 2024
Devon's NHS is being urged to be 'more transparent' about how it plans to save more than £200 million.
Honiton and Sidmouth Lib Dem MP Richard Foord has written an open letter to NHS bosses here warning that vague terms like 'reducing the workforce' and 'reducing continuing healthcare costs' are not a good enough explanation.
The latest papers published with last month’s Devon County Council's Health and Adult Care Scrutiny stated that “The NHS in Devon is forecasting to deliver the plan for the year which is a deficit of £80-million. The NHS in Devon has achieved £46.9m in efficiencies in the first five months of the year which is £0.3m above the plan. The forecast is to achieve £212.6m against the £213.3m efficiencies plan.”
In June the former chair of NHS Devon quit after voicing concerns about further cuts
What did MP Richard Foord say?
Mr Foord said: "I am worried about the effect of further cuts on already over-stretched services, which will potentially cause suffering to my constituents this winter - especially those who are already experiencing challenges with being diagnosed or treated for health conditions.
"Worryingly, last week it was reported that 95 per cent of hospitals beds are now full nationally, due to flu and other viruses circulating, as well as delays in ambulances handing over patients at A&E departments.
"Of course, our community hospitals played an important role in alleviating these pressures before very unfortunately, the beds were removed at Axminster, Seaton, Honiton and Ottery St Mary Hospitals, around a decade ago.
"I understand that NHS Devon is one of the most financially challenged health organisations in the country, however, these are truly eye-watering sums of money to slash from a health service which is already beset by enormous challenges, following years of similar cuts, and years of neglect by the Conservative government.
"I receive complaints about waits for surgery and diagnostic testing, lengthy waits for ambulances and delays at A&E handover, the loss of local diagnostic facilities – such as x-ray at Sidmouth Hospital, lack of availability of essential medicines, repeated closures of minor injuries units in East Devon, palliative care, and part of Seaton Hospital at risk of being sold off. I also continue to receive many complaints from people who are experiencing long waits for GP appointments.
"I would be grateful if you would provide in writing a detailed breakdown of precisely which services are set to be cut to balance the budget. I would also appreciate a thorough explanation of the reasons why the NHS in Devon is in this financial position, along with comprehensive information on how NHS Devon has prepared for winter, including the resilience of facilities within community hospitals across East Devon in particular."
What have the NHS said in response?
Steve Moore, chief executive of NHS Devon, said: "We recognise the challenges that people face with face waits for care and are committed to addressing them as a system.
"A key part of the savings plan is to reduce inefficiencies in the system to improve services for patients. As you have highlighted, winter brings with it a significant period of pressure for the health service and our teams are working incredibly hard to help people get the care they need as quickly as possible.
"As mentioned in your letter, the Devon system is one of the most challenged in the country. Due to this, our system is subject to the highest tier of oversight and scrutiny by NHS England (Segment Four of the NHS Oversight Framework NOF4), which requires addressing a financial deficit plan of £80 million in 2024/25.
"The causes of this are longstanding and include some of the reasons that you outlined in your letter. We are working together as a health and care system to address them and provide the best possible care to our population within the resources we have available.
"Each year, all systems in the country are required to submit a financial plan to NHS England. For the 2024/25 financial year, One Devon’s agreed plan is to deliver a deficit of £80 million, with an efficiency savings target of £213.3 million.
The update that was submitted to the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny was a summary of our financial position. More detailed information is presented at NHS Devon’s Board meetings, which includes a list and descriptions of the programmes. The latest papers (28 November 2024) are on One Devon’s website and include the most recent month six data - https://onedevon.org.uk/downloads/meeting-papers-and-minutes/
"The £213.3 million savings target is for our system as a whole including our organisation, NHS Devon, as well as the five providers. Links to their Board papers and performance reports are also available on their websites. I have specifically included the link for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s as I am assuming that is what you will be most interested in -
"As part of our commitment to openness and transparency, our papers are published on our public website and are discussed in Board meetings that are held in public. Details of future meetings that anyone is welcome to attend are on our website while recordings from previous meetings are available on our YouTube channel
"Details of our winter plan are available in the 18 September 2024 board papers also available on One Devon’s website