Trusts offered up to £4m to make last-ditch attempt on A&E target

NHS England has confirmed new financial incentives for trusts to deliver strong performance against the four-hour emergency target this month.

National leaders are desperate for the NHS to hit the four-hour target in 76% of cases in March, telling trusts earlier this month that it was necessary to restore confidence in the health service.

They took the unusual step at the start of the month of asking local leaders to sign a commitment to deliver the necessary performance. The recent pressure has come under criticism for encouraging hospitals to prioritise four-hour performance over caring for the sickest patients.

It was also indicated there would be new financial incentives for those delivering the best performance.

In a letter, NHSE confirmed a significant expansion to the criteria for trusts to claim a share of a £150m incentive fund, by improving their headline accident and emergency performance.

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Source: HSJ, 12 March 2024