Debt-hit health trust wins fight to stay independent

Bosses at the debt-ridden Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs services in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury, said yesterday that they had been given the go-ahead to develop long-term solutions to its problems.

The trust is facing a £26m deficit in 2012-13 and had been warned it could be put into administration. In July, it was confirmed that because of its long-standing problems it would not become an elite foundation trust by a 2014 deadline set by Ministers.

Department of Health officials had ordered the trust to work with local NHS organisations to determine its future which could include a merger with a neighbouring trust or its break-up – even though other trusts in the region have shown no appetite to take over its services.

Now, following further talks with the new NHS Trust Development Authority, it has been agreed that it should continue with work to develop its own way forward.

Mid Yorkshire bosses said they would “build on progress already made to address financial challenges and improve clinical performance”.

They said the move was a sign of support from the wider NHS for management to press ahead with landmark changes which will see clinical services radically redesigned.

The trust will also continue discussions with a view to developing partnerships for the delivery of specialist and local services.

Interim chief executive Stephen Eames said: “This demonstrates that the leadership team and our staff are doing the right things to tackle the issues facing the trust. Together we are building confidence in our ability to develop the right solution for local services and local communities.”

NHS Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield District, chief executive Mike Potts said: “We are pleased the progress the trust is making has been recognised and we will continue to work with them to ensure high-quality services are available for our local communities.”