Hospitals trust is back in the black

7:50pm Wednesday 2nd May 2007

Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust has clawed back a substantial cash loss and is now in rude financial health.

The news was announced at last night's meeting of the trust's board of governors at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Last year the NHS was in severe financial difficulties and the Bradford trust was also heavily in the red.

But last night the chief executive Miles Scott said it had made a "modest surplus" of about £500,000. He said this had been done without recourse to cuts or sacrificing patient safety.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus Mr Scott said: "Historically we have been in a very strong position and have managed really well. But we had a very difficult period two years ago when we ran into major financial problems.

"But I'm delighted to say we really have turned it around, and importantly, not as some kind of quick-fix' solution but on a sustainable basis.

"What we have done is improved efficiency and productivity, not with cuts and not with a slash and burn approach and this has enabled us to re-invest this money.

"We have had a capital programme spend of £11 million which is nearly four times that of the previous two years."

He said that much work needed to be done, notably the renovation of the Infirmary's 1930s hospital wards. The upgrading of these was a priority.

Chairman of the Board of Governors David Richardson said the turn around would not have been possible without the sterling work of staff.

"We really must pay tribute to the staff," he said. "This very ambitious plan could not have been achieved without the contribution of everyone right across the trust. It has been a real team effort."

He also moved to re-assure both staff and patients that the savings would not impact on them.

"There are no plans for rationalisations or cuts," he said. "We are building and developing on the services we are delivering."