Nottinghamshire NHS organisation targets waste to avoid frontline cuts

By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
The NHS body which organises Nottinghamshire’s healthcare says it needs to use “every single penny to best effect” to deal with budget challenges.
Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is drawing up plans to make sure it’s financially stable enough to deliver frontline services.
It says this will mean cutting waste, improving efficiency and controlling spending wherever possible.
NHS England will allow the body to spend £100m extra this financial year (2024/25), but it will need to set a balanced budget next year.
ICB leaders told members of Nottinghamshire County Council’s health committee that there would be “challenging conversations” in the coming months.
Victoria McGregor-Riley, Commissioning Delivery Director, said: “We are not talking about cuts – we’re looking at efficiencies. This could be duplication or any waste of money without reducing quality to patients.
“Every single opportunity will be looked at to make sure each penny is used to best effect. We will have challenging conservations.”
Alex Ball, Director of Communication and Engagement, said: “Funding is going up year-on-year, but so are costs and demand.”
Members of the health committee expressed concern about any money being taken out of the NHS.
Councillor Dr John Doddy (Ind), a working GP, said: “It’s makes perfect sense not to waste money, as that prevents us making healthcare cuts.
“But the NHS is buffet, and the number of items on the buffet get smaller every year. Meanwhile, appetite continues to grow.”
Councillor Johno Lee (Con) said: “It will be concerning if there are cuts in any areas that are already failing, such as maternity and mental health.”
Councillor Paul Henshaw (Lab) said he didn’t want any reduction in funding to worsen “stark inequalities”, warning there was already a big health gap between places like Rushcliffe and his Mansfield ward.
An independent report by Lord Darzi recently warned the NHS is in ‘serious trouble’ as the country gets older and unhealthier.
However, Councillor Roger Jackson (Con) told the meeting: “The NHS is not broken, although it does need a root and branch review.
“If not for their excellent care, I wouldn’t be here today.”
ICB leaders will provide the health committee with another update in January before the budget is set.