We are currently finalising our actions to have a rigorous financial plan on a sound footing for the coming year. Like many trusts across the country, our financial position next year will be the most challenging one yet.

Like all Trusts, we have a 4% efficiencies target to achieve next year and this equates to £14m at CHFT. To meet this target we need to have clear, tested plans in place by the end of March so that we can start to realise these savings from the start of the new financial year.

So far, we have identified £6m worth of potential savings and a further £8m are going through the review process. This process, which will apply to every potential savings proposals, looks at two key elements in each plan: a) how achievable they are and b) their impact on frontline patient care. We have to be satisfied on both these very important points.

These continue to be challenging times and every one of us across the trust will feel the impact of the changes we will need to make. Your ideas count. We know that those of you that are working with patients every day see how things could be done better and more efficiently in a way that improves the quality of care we provide.

Those ideas are the ones that can have the biggest impact so it is important to share them. If you have an idea no matter how big or small – then please email efficiencypmo@cht.nhs.uk  #ideaschangesCHFT

Lots of ideas have already been submitted and we are now looking ahead to how we can actually deliver them. Thanks to the divisional clinical and management teams for work so far and the work which lies ahead.