MPs uneasy with NHS surplus

A near £1.7 billion surplus in the NHS’ finances is not an ideal situation and could mean patients are not having the money they need spent on them, a group of MPs has said.

The public accounts committee has revealed that all sectors of the health service were in surplus in 2007-08, which amounted to about one week’s funding for the entire NHS.

MPs have warned there is a “real risk” the NHS is not spending allocated funding on treating patients.

Edward Leigh, chairman of the committee, noted the surplus came after the Healthcare Commission reported improved quality of service across the NHS but warned of the “flip side”.

“It’s not the case that the bigger a surplus the better,” he said, insisting the public body must ensure contingency plans do not delay treatment for those who need it most.

“The Department of Health has said that the surplus and the planned one for 2008-09 will be available to the NHS for spending in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

“This kind of financial planning over the longer term is good but the needs here and now of patients in parts of the country for drugs and better quality care must not be forgotten.”