HEALTH watchdog Monitor has closed the investigation it opened in June last year into Poole Hospital, due to concerns over its finances.

After a 10 month investigation Monitor has concluded that Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is taking appropriate action to improve its finances on behalf of patients.

The trust itself raised concerns about its financial stability after it forecast a deficit and predicted significant financial pressures over the next three years.

The health sector regulator believes the trust's leadership is taking the necessary steps to address the issues it faces, including a plan to provide its services more efficiently.

Having closed the investigation, Monitor will continue to scrutinise the trust to make sure it becomes more efficient and sustainable.

Paul Streat, regional director at Monitor said: “We launched our investigation to understand the financial challenges facing this trust and what was being done to meet them.

“The investigation has been closed because we have found that the trust's leadership is now taking appropriate action to improve the state of its finances.

“It is important that the financial issues are addressed so that the trust can continue to deliver good quality care to its patients.”

The regulator will continue working with the trust to improve its financial position and will take further regulatory action if needed.

Debbie Fleming, the new chief executive of Poole Hospital, said: “We are very pleased to receive this vote of confidence from Monitor.

“Like many other hospitals, we need to make significant efficiency savings in the future, but it is extremely reassuring that Monitor believes we are taking the right action to protect services and continue to provide high-quality care to the local community.

“As the new chief executive of the trust, I am looking forward to working with staff, clinicians and all local stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for local healthcare services.”