BUCKINGHAMSHIRE’S main NHS body has had more than £100 million of debt written off in a bid to help health bosses battle coronavirus.

This comes as the government cancels the money owed by NHS Trusts across the country.

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs seven hospitals across the county, will see £107.7 million of debt written off altogether.

Almost £101 million of this comes from debts stacked up from the day-to-day running of the Trust.

Another £6.7 million in debt comes from money owed from spending on buildings and equipment.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced earlier this month more than £13 billion of historic NHS debt would be scrapped to help out Trusts financially.

Mr Hancock said: “As we tackle this crisis, nobody in our health service should be distracted by their hospital’s past finances.

“Today’s £13.4 billion debt write off will wipe the slate clean and allow NHS hospitals to plan for the future and invest in vital services.

“I remain committed to providing the NHS with whatever it needs to tackle coronavirus, and the changes to the funding model will give the NHS immediate financial certainty to plan and deliver their emergency response.”

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust runs Amersham Hospital, Buckingham Community Hospital, Chalfont and Gerrards Cross Community Hospital, Marlow Community Hospital, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Thame Community Hospital and Wycombe Hospital.