Trust had substantial cash flow issues in 2022/23

Just one simple chart shows you that East Kent Hospital University Foundation Trust [EKHUFT] had cash flow issues in 2022/23.

The Better Payment Practice code requires that 95% of all valid invoices are paid by the due date or within 30 days of receipt of valid invoice, whichever is later. However, our Trust’s ability to meet that target has failed. In fact the evidence has shown the issue to pay by the due date or within 30 days grew significantly worse between 2021/22 and 2022/23. 

This data can be found at page 29 of the Trust’s annual report 2022/23 which will be discussed tonight at the Trust AGM between 5.30pm & 7pm, online only.

The Trust ended the financial year (March 31 2023)  with a deficit of £19.3m, driven by factors including staffing of escalation bedded areas across our acute sites, non-delivery of efficiencies and premium pay costs. At the end of August the Health Service Journal reported the Trust was aiming for a £72m deficit but is already ‘significantly adrift’, with CEO of the Trust, Tracey Fletcher (pictured), warning the deficit could spiral to £120m without action.

The Shepway Vox Team

Dissent is NOT a Crime