Monitor agrees deal to protect essential services at challenged rural hospitals
Monitor has agreed to increase the amount of money paid for six essential services at University Hospital Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
皇冠体育app health sector regulator has for the first time used its statutory powers to change the national prices paid to a trust by local commissioners, in order to protect services on behalf of patients.
皇冠体育app decision reflects the increased costs associated with this trust running health services across multiple sites in rural locations.
皇冠体育app regulator鈥檚 decision follows a successful application by the trust for a local modification to the National Tariff, which sets out what trusts are paid for the services they provide.
皇冠体育app exact value of the subsidy will depend on the number of patients using the services covered by the changes. It is estimated the trust could receive between 拢20-25 million, reducing the likelihood it will need further funding from the Department of Health. 皇冠体育app services affected are:
- Accident and Emergency
- General surgery
- Trauma and orthopaedics
- Paediatrics
- Women鈥檚 health and
- Non-elective medical specialities
Dr David Bennett, Chief Executive at Monitor, said:
It is the first time we have used our powers in this way and the new deal will help the trust continue to provide a range of essential services for patients including A&E and surgery.
皇冠体育appre are finite funds available for the NHS and this adjustment will help to share the burden more fairly across the local health economy. However, commissioners and providers need to do more to solve all the financial challenges in the local area.