Summary:

The podcast episode features Catherine Francis Brown, the Income Delivery Leader at NHS England, who discusses the topic of debt in relation to the NHS. While the NHS is commonly associated with providing free healthcare, there are situations where debt arises, particularly with non-NHS debt. This includes billing overseas visitors who utilize NHS facilities, many of whom may be vulnerable and unable to pay. The interview explores how the NHS manages debt vulnerability, educates staff, and balances the need for debt recovery with the optics and fairness of the process.

Key Points:

• Katherine Francis Brown is the Income Delivery Leader at NHS England.
• NHS England is responsible for ensuring commissioning groups receive their budget allocations.
• The NHS deals with non-NHS debt, including billing overseas visitors who use NHS facilities.
• Many overseas visitors may be vulnerable and lack resources to pay their bills.
• NHS Trusts have made progress in managing debt vulnerability and prioritize fair debt outcomes.
• Efforts have been made to integrate debt management processes into ordinary life.
• Strong processes and education have contributed to improvements in managing debt in the NHS.
• Debt management software in the NHS is not designed for the specific needs of debt management.
• The NHS is working to upgrade and integrate credit management systems.
• Online payment platforms have significantly increased cost recoveries and payment convenience.
• Bringing credit control functions in-house and focusing on client needs have been shifts in debt management.
• The balance between debt recovery and avoiding undue negative optics is a challenge for the NHS.

Key Statistics:

• NHS funding is approximately £150 billion, with NHS England responsible for ensuring budget allocations.
• A destitute migrant utilizing maternity services can cost between £6,000 and £12,000.
• Some NHS Trusts have experienced increased cost recoveries through the use of online payment platforms.
• NHS Shared Business Services brought its credit control function back onshore due to inefficiencies offshore.

Key Take Aways:

• The NHS is tasked with managing debt despite being primarily focused on providing free healthcare.
• Debt arises from billing overseas visitors, including vulnerable individuals without recourse to funds.
• NHS Trusts have made progress in managing debt vulnerability and prioritizing fair debt outcomes.
• Efforts have been made to integrate debt management practices into ordinary life.
• The NHS is working to upgrade and integrate credit management systems for better debt management.
• Online payment platforms have significantly improved cost recoveries and convenience for bill payments.
• Bringing credit control functions in-house and focusing on client needs have been shifts in debt management.
• Striking a balance between debt recovery and negative optics is a challenge for the NHS.
• The education and progress in debt management within the NHS have contributed to better debt outcomes.
• Debt management software in the NHS is not designed for the specific needs of debt management.
• Genuine efforts are being made to recover debt from those who can afford it while safeguarding the vulnerable.
• There is a need for continued investment in debt management systems and processes in the NHS.