Barnsley Hospital says finances under strain as number of patients falls
Concerns have also been linked to recent strikes - and growing costs for staffing
Barnsley Hospital has warned it is facing growing financial pressure this year, after earning less money than expected for the care it delivered and absorbing costs linked to recent doctors’ strikes.
New figures show the Trust recorded a small deficit of £64,000 in its October report, which is broadly on plan, although there are pressures in a number of areas. The hospital brought in less income than planned because it treated fewer patients than expected, while the impact of July’s industrial action by resident doctors is estimated at around £400,000.
Staffing costs remain a major issue, although the hospital has made progress. Agency spending, one of the most expensive areas, has dropped by 37% over the last year due to tighter controls, and both bank and agency usage are lower than last year. However, non-contracted staffing costs rose over the summer and are only expected to fall back as services stabilise.
To keep its finances on track, the Trust must also deliver £11.7 million of efficiency savings this year. So far, it has delivered £2.73 million against a target of £4.05 million by this point. Leaders say they expect to claw back the gap, but admit the heaviest pressure remains on schemes aimed at reducing agency and bank spend.
There is also uncertainty over support from the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. A key decision on whether Barnsley will continue to receive deficit support funding is expected shortly – and losing it could leave a significant hole in the Trust’s year-end position.