Monitor, the independent regulator,
has published its review of NHS
foundation trusts' annual plans for 2007-08 which
reveals:
- capital expenditure of £921 million
on projects which will directly benefit patients and staff;
- significant increase in their
membership base to strengthen local accountability, with total membership
expected to approach 1.5 million by the end of the financial year;
- a planned combined surplus of £198
million (before exceptional items) for the year;
- further efficiency savings
demonstrated by an improved operating margin of 6.8% compared with 6.6% in
2006-07.
The report calls for those
boards of NHS foundation trusts failing to meet certain of the government's
healthcare targets to identify how surpluses and borrowing freedoms can be used
to address this underperformance.
(Monitor)