News

• Administration looms for South London trust
  South London Healthcare NHS Trust expects to learn by the second week of July whether it will become the first trust to be put into administration as questions were raised about the affordability of private finance initiative schemes.
• Bright start to QIPP but ‘bold measures needed’
  The NHS in England has made ‘an encouraging start’ to the delivery of the £20bn in efficiency savings required by the end of 2014/15, according to NHS deputy chief executive David Flory.
• Monitor steps up preparations for new role
  Monitor’s preparations for its new sector regulator role intensified last month as it issued key consultations on creating a fair playing field for providers, improving costing and encouraging integrated care.
• Assurance process gives green light to CFOs
  The assurance process for chief finance officers (CFOs) for clinical commissioning groups is returning a vote of confidence in the calibre of existing finance officers.
• Managers’ fears grow over financial picture
  NHS chiefs are increasingly fearful of the impact of financial pressures on the quality of care, according to NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar.
• Break-even funds ‘unsustainable’
  Additional funds given in-year to allow four of the seven health boards in Wales to break even is ‘ not sustainable’, according to auditor general for Wales Huw Vaughan Thomas (pictured).
• News review - Seamus Ward assesses the past month in healthcare finance
  Seamus Ward assesses the past month in healthcare finance
• News analysis: The only way is up
  Greater reliance on bottom-up patient-level costing is the key feature in a Monitor commissioned report setting out options for improving cost data to inform tariff setting. Steve Brown reports

Comment

• Eyes wide open
  We need to step back from current pressures and see the bigger picture and finance needs to ensure its focus is on value, not just cost, says Sue Jacques
• FTs need to face up to uncertainty
  As the brave new world of the restructured NHS brings increased uncertainty for foundation trusts, networks will be even more important for finance professionals, says Martin Shaw
• Share the value
  HFMA chief executive Mark Knight on the results of the latest HFMA member survey

Features

• Screen test
  As the UK eyes telehealth as a solution to improving patient care while reducing the costs of avoidable admissions, Alison Tonge reports from leading telehealth nation Canada
  Download Screen test PDF
• Mean machine?
  Monitor’s role is about to expand significantly – but what kind of regulator will it be and how will it exercise its new duties? Seamus Ward finds out more
  Download Mean machine? PDF
• The Welsh way
  Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has recognised the benefits of establishing patient-level cost data and is reaping the benefits of a more granular understanding of patient costs and activity. Steve Brown reports
  Download The Welsh way PDF
• In it together
  Integrated health services are seen as the answer to delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare – particularly for patients with long-term conditions. But that requires six key building blocks, argues Rob Beardall
  Download In it together PDF
• Technical round-up
  Our monthly review of the latest technical guidance and reports, with links to the original documents
  Download Technical round-up PDF
• NICE update
  The guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in June
  Download NICE update PDF
• Making a difference
  The support programme for NHS finance managers has got off to a flying start
  Download Making a difference PDF
• Introduction to….FT finance risk ratings
  Our guide to foundation trust finance risk ratings
  Download Introduction to….FT finance risk ratings PDF