Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Foundation Trust posted a £1.2m surplus year-to-date but is projecting increased cost pressures for the last two quarters.

The November board papers said the trust was currently posting a surplus £100,000 ahead of plan but also revealed its cash balance, which stands at £26m, was £5.6m behind plan.

The papers added: “The trust cost base is expected to increase in the last two quarters due to bed expansion to accommodate increase demand.

“The trust is increasing capacity by 25 beds at Brentwood Community Hospital (November) and 12 via addiction on-site bed capacity unit (January).

“In addition, a trial has been commissioned of a new community based service to support facilitated discharge from acute beds (February).”