How we used our resources in 2008-09
Jonathan Tringham, Director of Resources at NHS Birmingham East and North, shows how resources have been used for 2008-09 in his commentary for the Annual Report.
The trust was required to plan for a surplus of £1.89m as its contribution to the overall surplus of the Strategic Health Authority (SHA), NHS West Midlands. We achieved a year end surplus of £1.92m which was in line with our target.
Throughout the year, the trust has made planned investments in a number of service areas, including the expansion of Birmingham OwnHealth, additional capacity in end of life care and intermediate care, a new primary care-based pain management service and a range of primary care-based mental health services.
We have also made significant additional investments to ensure that anyone who needed hospital care was treated within 18 weeks, and that we could manage record levels of patients accessing emergency care during the winter months.
Management costs have increased as a result of investments in new services, and the trust taking on additional roles and functions. This includes 10 new posts in the Strategy and Redesign directorate as a result of taking on the commissioning of mental health services for the whole of Birmingham.
There are now 41 more full time clinical service managers (included within management costs) compared to 2007-08.
For the first time this year the trust has separately analysed management consultancy costs in the detailed operating cost statement. Where necessary, the trust buys in specific skills and capacity to help support its activities and functions. This includes developing strategic partnerships with Dr Foster Intelligence and VISTA, both of which are included under consultancy costs.
The trust has continued to develop and improve its primary care facilities through the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) initiative and completed the Stockland Green Primary Care Centre during the year.
We are moving towards International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for 2009-10. As part of this, we are in the process of preparing a restated balance sheet for 2008-09 accounts. The trust is also currently having its asset base revalued under MEA (Modern Equivalent Asset) which will result in a change in asset value.
During 2009-10 we will continue to make investments designed to achieve our core purpose of tackling inequalities and improving the health and well-being of our communities.
