The number of NHS organisations ending the year in the red has risen sharply, according to figures from the Audit Commission.

Thirty one NHS and foundation trusts ended the 2011-12 financial year in debt compared with only 13 in 2010-11.1

The figures show that 10 NHS trusts and 21 foundation trusts failed to break even, with 39 NHS trusts reporting a worse financial position last year than the year before. Eighteen NHS trusts and foundation trusts received financial support from the Department of Health.

The report also shows stark differences in the finances of NHS organisations around the country, with most of the trusts in …