NHS trusts

NHS Trusts are currently under increased pressure to deliver national targets and to perform well. The introduction of payment by results, a new funding regime based on healthcare resource groups (HRG), indicates reference costs will have a significant impact on the trusts' ability to remain in financial balance.

While the development of Diagnostic Treatment Centres (ISTCs) in some locations will shift health provision from traditional general hospitals, the establishment of foundation trusts provides an opportunity for greater autonomy from central control.

PricewaterhouseCoopers can offer knowledge accumulated through our existing audit relationships with over 80 NHS bodies.

Potential issues

• Delivering efficiency savings
• Sound financial management
• Applying for foundation trust status
• Ensuring that effective governance arrangements are in place
• Working in partnership with other organisations

PwC services

• Advising on making quick-wins savings across a range of support services
• Advising on preparing for foundation trust status – for example with financial training and business case preparation
• Performance improvement, including reconfiguration and improving working partnerships
• Financial turnaround advice
• Corporate governance advice
• Advising on joint ventures