Trust in charge of Stafford's County Hospital overspends by £26.9m
The trust that runs Stafford's County Hospital has overspent on its budget by nearly £27 million.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust had already outlined a deficit of £16.8m but overspending and a lack of income saw that figure rise to £26.9m for the 2015/16 financial year.
Bosses have blamed the shortfall on winter pressures and predicted another challenging financial year ahead.
The trust's financial failures means it will be referred to Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt.
Sarah Preston, director of finance at UHNM, said: "The adverse variance was mainly a result of the continuing winter pressures, which saw an increase in non-elective admissions and a decrease in elective activity.
"The trust also made significant efficiency savings across the year, though these fell £4.2m short of the overall target, further contributing to the adverse variance.
"The trust has another challenging financial year ahead, although we have detailed plans to meet our financial obligations."