• NHS England and Improvement have published the financial performance report for the first quarter 2019/20.
• The data shows trusts reported a combined deficit of £806m for the first quarter, which is broadly similar to the position reported at the same stage in each of the previous two years.
• This position is £26m better the planned figure of £832m.

Responding to the report, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

“Today’s financial performance report has significantly reduced the range and amount of information we expect to see published.

“This is disappointing for the NHS provider sector as the report gives an objective illustration of the challenges trusts are facing and, critically helps highlight their successes.

This is disappointing for the NHS provider sector as the report gives an objective illustration of the challenges trusts are facing and, critically helps highlight their successes.

“The NHSE/I performance reports have traditionally contained a wealth of important data, analysis and narrative not available elsewhere. Today’s figures exclude key information such as the breakdown of efficiency savings, implied productivity and performance against the agency ceiling.

“So, although the headline figures provide an overall sense of the sector’s performance, it does not do the essential job of considering the overall operating environment. Unlike what was published in previous years it does not tell the story of activity, demand, performance and finances and explain the impact of each on the others.

“We have raised our concerns over the changes to this report, and indeed the delays in publication, with NHS England and Improvement. We will make clear what the sector needs from future reports and why.”