Read Jack Serle's latest HSJi Review, which says how the dual challenge of the highly restricted state of NHS finances and the inexorable growth in spending on medicines has put renewed focus on controlling NHS drug budgets.

As far as the NHS is concerned, efficiencies are needed now and the drug budget, after spending on pay, is the biggest target to aim for. Read the full article here.

Latest investigations

Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust

The trusts are implementing major reforms, including a shared leadership structure and integrated clinical support services. A joint electronic patient record system is being procured, and a successful merger of corporate services has already taken place. To meet ambitious cost-saving goals, workforce reductions are expected, alongside increased outsourcing and reduced internal activity. Efforts are also underway to improve theatre productivity, expand diagnostic and emergency care capacity, and reduce ED admissions through enhanced alternative care pathways.

Frimley Health Foundation Trust

The trust has set a £58m cost improvement target, with £14m expected from reducing reliance on temporary clinical staff. Key areas of focus include improving outpatient and theatre efficiency, while substantial cuts to corporate services are under consideration. Performance remains challenged in elective care and the most serious accident and emergency cases, and financial constraints are limiting the ability to outsource work. At the same time, investment in the estate aims to help reduce waiting lists and times. Approval has been granted to replace Frimley Park Hospital, though extensive remedial work on the current site will need to continue for many years.

University Hospitals Plymouth Trust

University Hospitals Plymouth Trust is currently under the highest level of national scrutiny due to poor urgent and emergency care performance. A roadmap for improvement includes the imminent opening of an urgent treatment centre, expansion of same day emergency care services, and investment in virtual wards, alongside the start of construction on a new emergency department later this year. Elective care performance remains weak, with only marginally better results in cancer services. Financial performance is also a concern, with the trust under pressure to reduce its pay bill and scale back the use of insourcing due to cost-saving demands. Efforts are also focused on reducing unnecessary primary care referrals. Meanwhile, the trust is preparing to roll out a new electronic patient record system, and a new diagnostic centre is scheduled to open this year.

Data

• GPs per 100,000 population, GP nurses per 100,000 population of ICS for Q4 2024-25
• Patients spending under 4 hours in ED (%), Red emergency responses arriving within 8 minutes (%) of Wales for Q4 2024-25
• About the board, Link to Board papers of Acute,Sp,Com,MH,Amb for Q4 2024-25