Wiltshire CCG predicts £60m overspend

Increasing costs are leading Wiltshire clinical commissioning group (CCG) into a £60 million overspend by 2021, the bosses have warned. 

The chair, Dr Stephen Rowlands, said the costs of looking after an ageing population with growing health needs has led to the potential overspend. 

Dr Rowlands has asked for patients to begin taking “personal responsibility” for their health. 

He said: “When I started 30 years ago it was a very paternalistic organisation. It was, ‘Don't worry, I’ll look after your health’. Now we have to say, ‘Now I can give you the tools so you can look after yourself’.”

Some ideas which will be discussed in a series of public meetings include developing strategies to tackle obesity and encouraging families or communities to support those in need of care. 

He said: “I’m not saying we’re going to ration healthcare, but it has to be used appropriately and judgementally.”