The NHS Confederation, which represents NHS trusts and health authorities, has urged caution over the results of a BMA survey on NHS funding, which found that three quarters of trusts were in financial difficulty.

The survey claimed that most trusts faced funding shortfalls—but the confederation's policy director, Nigel Edwards, said the survey covered only a minority of trusts and, although not inaccurate, does not give a complete picture.

“Anecdotal evidence we have been receiving from our members suggests that the minority of NHS trusts are examining a full range of options to balance their books,” he said. “Some NHS trusts are undoubtedly having …