London hospitals are facing a deficit crisis of more than £140 million.
Figures reveal that at least six hospital trusts have overspent their budgets — and some have asked for extra funding to break even. In some cases, the crisis is threatening to affect other hospitals as health chiefs resort to further mergers and cutbacks.
Top of the list is South London Healthcare NHS trust, which is forecasting a £49.5 million deficit by the end of this financial year. The trust will be broken up in October but its debts have already hit Lewisham hospital, which was downgraded despite protests. Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS trust said that it will end the financial year £39.7 million in the red. It is still paying off interest on a private finance initiative loan.
The North West London Hospitals NHS trust is predicting a £20.6 million deficit. Its hospitals include Northwick Park and Central Middlesex, which is to lose its A&E. Epsom and St Helier hospital trust is facing an overspend of more than £12 million.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ foundation trust had planned to have a cash surplus of £13 million, but is now forecasting a loss of £7.7 million.
Barts Health, the largest trust in the UK, has received a bailout to balance its books. Board papers reveal that it overspent by more than £10 million.
A spokeswoman blamed the cost of treating extra patients who needed emergency care. The trust was formed from a merger in April last year of hospitals including St Bartholomew’s, Whipps Cross and Newham.
John Lister, of campaign group London Health Emergency, said: “Some trusts are saddled with monstrous PFI debt — and it’s costing them a fortune to service this.”
