Top stories archive

Concern over complex prescription charge rules

by Seamus Ward

14 May 2019

Rules governing entitlement to free prescriptions are too complicated, leading to genuine mistakes and confusion, according to the National Audit Office.

Government losing grip on health screening, MPs warn

by Seamus Ward

10 May 2019

National bodies are not doing enough to ensure everyone eligible for health screening has taken part in the programme, according to the Common Public Accounts Committee.

Doctors warn of hidden crisis

by Seamus Ward

01 May 2019

The British Medical Association has called for thousands of extra NHS beds and funding levels that match other leading Western nations as it outlined a ‘hidden crisis’ in the service this winter.

Trust finance plans more realistic

by Steve Brown

26 April 2019

The majority of trusts in England are feeling more positive about meeting their financial targets in 2019/20, but the situation remains challenging, according to NHS Providers.

NIAO warning over significant costs

by Seamus Ward

09 April 2019

Significant increases in the cost of locum doctors and clinical negligence are adding to the financial pressures on Northern Ireland’s health and care system, according to the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

Overall balance masks worrying disparity, PAC warns

by Steve Brown

03 April 2019

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has delivered a frank assessment of NHS finances, claiming that an overall balanced budget in 2017/18 masks ‘a worrying level of disparity in financial health and patient experience at a local level’.

Greater Manchester to continue transformation

by Seamus Ward

31 March 2019

The Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership has vowed to continue its transformation programme over the next five years to help address cost pressures and to release funding for system changes.

Government urged to reverse public health cuts

by Seamus Ward

28 March 2019

The British Medical Association has called on the government to reverse the squeeze on public health spending.

£700m needed to hit waiting time target

by Seamus Ward

25 March 2019

The NHS in England will need an estimated £700m to reduce elective waiting lists to the size last seen in March 2018, according to the National Audit Office.

PAC calls for clarity on commissioning structure

by Steve Brown

08 March 2019

NHS England has been asked to report back by the end of the year on the commissioning structure that will be in place by 2021.