As colleagues will be aware, organisations across health and care are facing a significant financial challenge this year. As NHS trusts, we can make decisions for ourselves in terms of how we work and deliver our strategies. In order to retain this independence, we need to continue to operate within the funding we have available.

To ensure we are able to meet our financial targets this year, all six organisations within the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) have made the decision to commission an independent review of the finances of each trust, and their ability to deliver on improvement and efficiency plans this year.

The review will focus on financial systems, processes, and each organisation’s ability to deliver financial sustainability. The review will provide each trust with recommendations to consider and will not replace any current processes which involve undertaking a detailed quality impact assessment before agreeing to implement any recommendations.

CHFT is part of WYAAT, which also includes:

• Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
• Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust