Hospital chief on winter pressure and 'catastrophic' budget issues

CEO WARNS OF NEED FOR £70M SAVINGS AS TRUST FIGHTS FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

DERBY’S hospital trust chief has praised “exceptional” efforts staff have put in to combat continued challenging pressure for NHS services, but highlighted strain from sickness and “catastrophic” budget issues.

Stephen Posey, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Royal Derby Hospital, has addressed a slew of issues as the health system continued to face heightened pressure for services.

In a report for the trust's upcoming board meeting, Mr Posey said: “I want to recognise the exceptional efforts across our organisation to prepare for and respond to winter pressures. NHS services nationally continue to experience sustained demand, and our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure patients receive safe care.

“Urgent and emergency care performance remains challenged as it often does across the winter period, and reflects wider system pressures.