Challenges are significant says auditor general

Fifth emergency report found ‘substantial long-term’ difficulties still to be addressed

NHS Tayside still faces “significant challenges” according to a fifth emergency audit into its financial and operational management.

The report, conducted by Auditor General Caroline Gardner, said a plan had been put in place but “substantial long-term financial and operational challenges” still had to be addressed by the beleaguered health board.

The Courier revealed earlier this week NHS Tayside will need to cut £20 million from its budget over the next two years, doing so with its so-called Transforming Tayside programme.

Ms Gardner notes in her report the board failed to meet the majority of its national service targets in 2018-19, and her concern that key leadership vacancies are still to be filled.

Dundee-based Labour MSP Jenny Marra noted this was the fifth emergency report in a row to which NHS Tayside has been subject.

Ms Gardner said: “It is a positive forward step that NHS Tayside now has a transformation plan, but moving away from the current ways of working will be difficult without well-developed and detailed implementation plans.

“So far there is little evidence of the sustainable service redesign and transformation that is critical to reducing costs while maintaining or improving services.

“The future is challenging for NHS Tayside. Effective and stable leadership will be critical in bringing about longterm service transformation.”

Bob McGlashan, RCN Scotland senior officer said: “The financial and performance challenges that NHS Tayside continues to face are significant. Throughout the transformation programme RCN Scotland has called for openness and consultation with the public and staff to ensure the focus remains on patient care.

“It is fundamental NHS Tayside does not lose sight of quality and safety while making services more cost effective.

“Whatever changes are made under the transformation programme, it is crucial they maintain the right number of staff with the right skills to ensure safe, high-quality care for patients.”

Labour North East MSP Jenny Marra said: “While it is good news there is a plan in place, this is the fifth year in a row where the auditor general for Scotland has had to issue an emergency report into the finances and governance of NHS Tayside.

“We need to see much faster improvement in agency nurse costs and prescribing to make sure local health services are robust for the future.”

Auditor General for Scotland Caroline Gardner has conducted a new report.