University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) is implementing aggressive cost-cutting measures to save £67 million by the end of March 2026. Among the key initiatives is a reduction in agency staff expenditure by a minimum of 30%, a 10% cut in bank staffing costs, and a £3.3 million decrease in corporate expenses.
The trust previously achieved £62.7 million in savings in 2024/25 but acknowledges that further reductions are needed to meet national financial expectations for NHS trusts. The move forms part of a broader effort to address ongoing budgetary pressures and enhance operational efficiency.
The trust has positioned these changes as part of a broader push across the NHS to deliver better taxpayer value while maintaining quality care. There is an emphasis on using resources more effectively rather than compromising safety or performance.
Trade unions, including Unison, have expressed willingness to collaborate with the trust to ensure changes are implemented fairly and safely for both staff and patients.