NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney has been given a weak rating for its financial performance. An independent watchdog has said NHS Yarmouth and Waveney, formerly known at the Primary Care Trust, needs to handle its cash better.

NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney has been given a weak rating for its financial performance.

An independent watchdog has said NHS Yarmouth and Waveney, formerly known at the Primary Care Trust, needs to handle its cash better.

The annual Auditors' Local Evaluation from the Audit Commission shows the trust stayed at its level one rating, which means “below minimum requirements, adequate performance”.

David Matthews, director of finance and performance at NHS Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “We are disappointed to have received a 'weak' rating. According to the report, there were four areas which did not meet their requirements and these have already been corrected as part of an action plan to work towards a 'good' rating this financial year.”

The East of England Ambulance Trust has got worse, falling from a two to a one.

A spokesman for the ambulance trust said: “The score relates to our financial management and internal governance last year, since when significant changes and improvements have been made. We have appointed a new finance director and put in place an action plan. We fulfilled our obligations to meet financial balance last year and this score in no way reflects on the excellent care we provide to the public in the east of England.”

The Audit Commission evaluation does not look at foundation trusts, which is why the James Paget University Hospital and Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust are not included.