Annual Report 2009 -2010 - Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Public Sector Payment Policy - Measure of ComplianceThe Department requires that Trusts pay their non HSC trade creditors in accordance with theCBI Prompt Payment Code and Government Accounting Rules. The Trust’s payment policy isconsistent with the CBI prompt payment codes and Government Accounting rules and its measureof compliance is:312010 2009Number NumberTotal bills paid 386,943 368,639Total bills paid within terms 310,919 306,205% of bills paid within terms 80% 83%Financial EnvironmentOne of the most difficult tasks we face within the health and social care sector is to manage ourexpenditure within reducing resources, while dealing with increasing demands for our servicesand clinical and technological advances.2009/10 was a particularly challenging year for us. Our funding was reduced by £31m; we had tomake cumulative efficiency savings of 5.5%; and at the same time healthcare and overhead costssuch as fuel and water, increased.Through a concerted effort by staff across the Trust, sound budget management, the receipt ofadditional in-year funding and the implementation of our comprehensive efficiency programme(MORE), we achieved a balanced financial position in 2009/10.MORE - Maximising Outcomes, Resources and EfficienciesThe Trust, like all other government bodies, has to deliver cash efficiency savings of 9% over theyears 2008/09 to 2010/11, as part of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. Essentially overthis period we have to deliver the same levels of service within a substantially reduced budget.Our MORE efficiency programme has enabled us to achieve the required levels of efficiencysavings in 2008/09 and 2009/10. We did this by changing the way we deliver services,modernising and driving improvements in services, enhancing productivity, reducing waste andmaximising value for money.The focus of our MORE programme is essentially about ensuring the right care is being deliveredby the right person, doing the right thing, in the right place.We are proud to outline the following achievements of our MORE programme during 2009/10:• We had 150 reform and modernisation schemes up and running.• The projects were about changing practices and modernising the way we do things, theyhave clear benefits for the patient and client, as well as efficiency and productivity benefitsfor the organisation.• We engaged widely with the public, interested groups and staff on the changes which wemade, and have managed to maintain constructive relationships with staff representativegroups.