HOSPITAL and community care services in Burnley have run £443,000 into the red in the first five months of the financial year.

Although income was nearly £64,000 ahead in the period to August 31, spending was £507,000 above target.

But the Trust's working performance shows more patients than ever are being treated, with a six per cent increase in inpatient care and outpatient attendances 5.4 per cent ahead of target.

Burnley Health Trust finance director David Meakin says continued overspending on budgets is causing concern.

In a report to directors, he says the drugs bill is significantly overspent and new controls have been put in place.

Other areas of overspending included general surgery and accident and emergency with the use of expensive locum care.

Mr Meakin says the Trust has a reserve fund to provide cover for overspending, but its use will limit planned developments to provide a better service.

He says the rate of overspending is now decreasing compared with previous months, but the problem is still there.

He adds: "Controls on staff vacancies and non-urgent expenditure will be continued through to the year end and further controls on directorate expenditure will be applied."

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