Primary care trust is a top financial performer in the region

Herefordshire Primary Care Trust is praised for good financial management in a national report issued by the Audit Commission today (2 October 2008).

The trust improved its overall financial performance to score 3 out of 4 in the annual evaluation, which means it is performing well and consistently above minimum requirements. The score is an improvement on the 2 out of 4 scored in the 2006/07 audit. This year, no other health trust performed better in the region.

Marcia Pert, director of resources, said: "As the leader for the NHS in the county, it is important that we demonstrate strong financial performance and value for money for the people of Herefordshire. This has a direct impact on the quality of the services we commission and provide and enables us to ensure good quality outcomes for patients".

The PCT improved its rating through maintaining a score of 3 for financial reporting, financial management and strong internal controls, but improved its score on value for money from a 2 to a 3.

With an annual budget of around £250 million, the PCT and plans, purchases and designs health services increasingly around the needs of individual users. The trust ended the year with a planned surplus of nearly half a million pounds, which it will use to set aside money to help fund the new radiotherapy service planned for Hereford.

The Audit Commission report comes hot on the heels of another national review from the Healthcare Commission, which found that Herefordshire Primary Care Trust is responsible for some of the best urgent and emergency care in the country. The Commission reported that services, including accident and emergency, ambulance, out-of-hours and urgent care services from GPs and minor injuries units all work together well in Herefordshire. The Commission rated Herefordshire Primary Care Trust as a 'best performing' PCT.

The PCT has initiatives in place to improve further out of hours and urgent care services with the development of a new walk in health centre which will be open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Scheduled to open in Hereford in the summer of next year, the new facility will take much of the pressure from the county hospital's accident and emergency service.

The trust has organised a public consultation event on Thursday 9 October at Hereford Racecourse to enable local people to influence the way the NHS develops nationally to ensure it operates fairly and effectively for them. People can register to take part for an afternoon or early evening session by calling the PCT on 01432 262016.