The changing geography of NHS deficits

The financial position of NHS providers in England has substantially deteriorated in recent years, falling from a net surplus of £577m in 2012/13 to a net deficit of £841m in 2014/15 (2015/16 prices).

This chart shows that the finance decline is affecting all parts of the country, rather than being driven by a small number of struggling health economies. In 2012/13, all regions were in a net surplus position, with the majority (seven out of 10) reporting a net surplus greater than £30m (2015/16 prices). In 2013/14 while three regions still had net surpluses over £30m, six regions reported a net deficit, two of which were in excess of £50m. By 2014/15 the majority (seven out of 10) regions have net deficits in excess of £50m. Only one region (the North East) has a net surplus, and this is less than £10m.

This chart forms part of our new report ‘A perfect storm: an impossible climate for NHS providers’ finances?’ which examines some of the reasons behind the declining financial performance of NHS providers in England.