Budget clean bill of health

OLDHAM health chiefs are “performing well” in managing their multi-million budget, a report today states.

According to the Audit Commission review of performance in 2007/08 Oldham has performed consistently above requirements when it comes to financial health.

Today’s report examined 302 trusts, including mental health trusts, ambulance trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs).

Trusts were scored from one to four, with one representing “inadequate performance” below minimum requirements.

A score of two represented “adequate performance” at minimum requirements, three highlighted trusts “performing well” consistently above requirements and four related to those “performing strongly” well above minimum requirements.

Oldham PCT scored three, the same ranking as the previous year.

Interim director of finance Steve Sutcliffe said: “Oldham PCT is continuing to perform well.

“The bar has been raised this year for all NHS trusts’ performance, so this score shows we are continuing to make significant improvements. We continue to work to ensure our financial management is sound and we are developing plans to ensure we commission health services which are value for money.”

North West Ambulance Service ranked a two — the same as the previous year. And Pennine Acute NHS Hospitals Trusts which run The Royal Oldham Hospital, scored a two, up from one the previous year.

Michael O’Higgins, chairman of the Audit Commission, said: “The improvements are impressive.

“Financial management in the health service had been in poor shape, but better use of resources locally has made a difference.”