East Cheshire Trust’s finances red-rated by SHA

The trust was one of five in the North West ascribed the highest category of risk in the NHS North of England SHA cluster’s report.

At the end of November East Cheshire had recorded a surplus of just £2,000 for the financial year to date, the report shows. It is forecasting a surplus of £250,000 for the full year 2011-12.

“Financial positions of all NHS Trusts are being monitored closely and reviewed each month against covenant tests within their tripartite formal agreements,” the report states.

“Escalation processes will be invoked where these requirements are breached. Organisations with ‘red’ ratings have been required to submit robust action plans to identify how risks are being managed and continue to meet regularly with the director of finance.”