Writing off NHS debts

Last week, the Government announced a wonderful Easter present for doctors, nurses and patients by writing off over £13 billion of debt for NHS providers, freeing them up to invest in vital services. 
  • At this time of a global Coronavirus pandemic, we need to ensure our NHS hospitals can focus on protecting lives, not get distracted with managing their past finances.
  • Here in Cumbria, debt from the first PFI hospital scheme at Carlisle has been a disastrous financial millstone round the NHS in the county for far too long, and this write-off finally gives an opportunity to focus on the needs of today instead of paying the debts of the past.
  • That’s why is it fantastic news that the government is writing off £13.4 billion of debt for NHS providers, so that hospitals and services have the immediate financial certainty to plan and deliver their emergency response.
  • Between them the total debt write off for the two trusts serving Cumbria is over £590 million pounds: £299.319 million for West, North and East Cumbria and £290.727 million for the Morecambe Bay trust whose area includes South Cumbria.  
  • This significant change will put NHS services in a stronger position to respond to the immediate challenges of Coronavirus, as well as deliver widespread improvements in the years ahead.

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