Minister praises Western Trust for its financial discipline

Health Minister, Michael McGimspey has praised the Western Trust for its excellent financial management despite a deficit that had been incurred by the former Sperrin Lakeland Trust.

This former Trust was carrying a deficit of £3.3million when it was merged with the Foyle Trust and the Altnagelvin Hospital Trust to form the Western Health and Social Care Trust in April 2007.

Michael McGimpsey said: “After this deficit came to light in 2007 I promised the Western Trust that, in these exceptional circumstances, if they succeeded in breaking even over the two years 2007/08 and 2008/09, I would be prepared to waive the Department’s right to recover the inherited loss.

“I can now confirm that the Western Trust has achieved this and I commend them for working hard to establish such a sound financial footing. In their accounts for the 2008/2009 financial year, they have recorded a surplus of £44,000 following on from a surplus of £56,000 in 2007/08.

“Budgets within the health and social care service are precious therefore it is hugely important that all Trusts, the Board and Agencies live within their resources.”

The Minister continued: “If debts are incurred, their impact will be felt on key public services and jobs. All health and social care organisations must work efficiently to ensure they do not run up debts.

“The normal policy of my Department is that if a deficit occurs it must be addressed and all losses paid back to the Department. I am pleased to say that the Western Trust has been able to demonstrate financial rectitude and has thereby averted the requirement to pay back the previous loss in this exceptional case.”

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