PROVIDERS are working with Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group tackle the financial challenges facing the NHS.

The NHS has received small above inflation funding increases in recent years but this has failed to keep pace with what is needed locally.

This means that while the NHS in the area continues to meet or exceed most of its key targets, such as the four hour A&E wait or 18 week treatment, a number of NHS organisations are predicting deficits.

NEW Devon CCG's slice of the overspend is £14.7 million this year, and with two main NHS providers with the CCG's boundary planning deficits, this has led to the area being identified as 'financially challenged' by NHS England, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority.

CCG chief officer Rebecca Harriott said the financial situation in the NHS meant that the NHS was putting organisational boundaries aside to tackle it.

She said: “Already clinicians from NHS organisations in the area have met to discuss how services could be provided differently in future and local providers are working with us.

“Public feedback from events held throughout 2013/14 suggests that there is an appetite for changing the way services are delivered so we are looking seriously at this.

“When we look at the growth in demand from an ageing population and expectations on the NHS to use new drugs and technologies, it is clear that the size of the challenge cannot be solved by any one part of the NHS or public sector working alone.

“We are developing a strategy with our partners to address the issues and while we recognise that the issue is primarily one of resources, safe, high quality services are and always will be our first priority.

“Working more closely with local councils, the use of new technology and medicines and greater focus on individuals all offer opportunities to improve services and make efficiencies.”

The NHS must make £30 billion worth of savings nationally by 2020.