West Suffolk NHS could take years to balance budget, boss says

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB manages funding for all healthcare in the county.

“We recognize the increased costs associated with recent pay deals, as well as the statements on NHS funding made by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement,” an NHS spokesperson said.

“At this stage, we await formal notification of allocations and operational guidance, which we need in order to assess the net impact on our system budgets for this and future fiscal years.”

Adrian Marr, director of finance for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospitals in Ipswich, Felixstowe and Aldeburgh, said he had also had to consider pay award agreements.

“The trust remains on track to achieve its financial plan at the end of the 2024/25 financial year with a projected surplus of £250,000,” he said.

“We are working with our colleagues at the ICB regarding the implications of the allocation of salaries to staff groups announced by the Government earlier this year.”

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have been contacted for comment.