Health Secretary, Wes Streeting has said he will keep close watch on NHS mental trust experiencing a £29 million funding shortfall.
Streeting reaffirmed his commitment to working with leaders in improving the trust saying it is faced with a “real challenge”.
He said to BBC Radio Suffolk’s Sarah Lilley: “I’ll be keeping a close eye on it and with NHS leaders nationally to make sure we continue to see improvements in the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Trust.”
On the NHS funding challenges, he said: “I know it’s a real challenge I’ve put on to NHS leaders, I know it is hard, but if we just keep on pouring more money into the NHS without modernisation and reform, we will end up pouring more money into a leaky bucket, and patients will resent it.”
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The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which has been in and out of special measures for nearly a decade, faces ongoing financial challenges.
For 2025-26, it planned an income of £375 million but still needs to find £18.7 million in efficiencies.
The trust is also projecting a £29.6 million funding gap for 2026-27 and is seeking permanent savings.
Peter Passingham, regional organiser for Unison, said the shortfall could affect jobs or services.
The trust is finalising its 2026-27 annual plan for submission to NHS England.
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