Health Finances 2012-13 and Beyond

The Auditor General for Wales published his report Health Finances 2012-13 and beyond in July 2013.  This report considered the financial position of NHS Wales during 2012-13 and followed on from the previous Auditor General for Wales report on Health Finances published in July 2012, which the Public Accounts Committee considered in late 2012, and reported on in February 2013.

The Auditor General for Wales’ report sets out a detailed assessment of the financial position of the NHS bodies in 2012-13.  It considered the performance in the delivery of services, particularly those areas which have been identified as a priority by the Department for Health and Social Services. The report also considered future financial and service challenges for the NHS over the short, medium and long term. 

The Committee received a briefing on the report findings from the Auditor General at its meeting on 24 September 2013. Following this session, the Committee undertook an inquiry looking at:

• Quality of 3 year plans and the risk of potential ‘frontloading’ in year 1
• Difficulties in achieving savings
• The deterioration of performance in some services areas
• Service reforms and the link to reducing costs
• Increase in negligence claims
• How Tier 1 priorities are determined