Now more than ever, money needs to be spent where it’s most needed in the health service.
I’m pleased the Government has decided to write off £13.4 billion of debt from NHS providers across England, freeing them up to invest in vital services.
During this global coronavirus pandemic, we need to help our NHS hospitals focus on protecting lives, and not get distracted with managing their past finances.
That’s why we’re writing off debt for NHS providers across the country, so that hospitals and services have the immediate financial certainty to plan and deliver their emergency response.
This significant change will put NHS services in a stronger position to respond to the immediate challenges of coronavirus, as well as deliver widespread improvements in the years ahead.
Trusts across South East England will see almost £1.4 billion of debt written off thanks to this move. This includes £133 million from East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and £26 million from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
This is another step to supporting health and social care providers during this difficult time.
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