COUNTY NHS bosses say they need to make another £13.2m worth of savings next year for the service to break even.

Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group revealed last week it was on course to meet its target to save £12.2m for the last financial year.

But chief financial director Jill Sinclair told the governing body committee they will have to find even more savings next year.

She said: “We met all of the savings targets within the year.

“We have achieved an unqualified opinion on value for money and we have a very good going concern rating going forward."

Richard Bursell, external auditor, explained how well the CCG was doing in meeting its targets.

He said: “My audit is substantially complete and as Jill has said, I’m proposing an unqualified opinion on the audit statement.

“The CCG did meet its target.

“I’m pleased to say I’m proposing an unqualified value for money rating.”

A CCG spokesperson explained they will be working with patients and clinicians to minimise waste, including reducing missed appointments, providing care for patients closer to home and reviewing how their prescription budget is used.

A spokesperson for NHS Herefordshire CCG, said: “Like many other CCGs across the country we have a savings programme in place to help us work within our limited budget, while maximising care for local patients.

“Over the past few years, we have been working with partners to reduce inefficiency and commission the right services locally.

“There is still more we can do and during 2018/19 we will be working with patients and clinicians to minimise waste, including reducing missed appointments and reviewing how our prescribing budget is used.

“We can also realise savings by improving the quality of care patients receive, by providing more care closer to home and helping patients be treated by the right professional in the right place.

“We will continue to keep people informed and involved throughout our savings programme.”