Systems blamed as North Bristol trust workers overpaid

North Bristol trust is now trying to recover the overpayments, made in 2006-07. But it said getting the money back from staff who had left could take some time.

The new payroll system was introduced in July 2006, as part of a national rollout of the system which continues until next spring. But the trust realised that there were far more overpayments than normal, mainly to medical staff.

'Along with many NHS trusts across the country, North Bristol trust experienced a few teething problems with the new system and unfortunately errors were made as the new system was implemented,' said a spokesman.

These problems largely related to staff becoming familiar with the new system and new ways of working.

'Since the implementation last year staff have become more familiar with the system and this year the level of overpayments has dropped by over 90 per cent,' the spokesman explained. 'ESR is complex but enjoys national-level support so development can be shared between many organisations.'

Last week HSJ reported Birmingham East and North primary care trust had decided not to recover£200,000 overpaid to 331 staff over three years (for more background, click here).