PRESS RELEASE
HEREFORD HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
12.10.06
Healthcare Commission – Annual Health Check 2005 / 06
The new performance ratings published today by the Healthcare Commission replaces the star rating system previously used in the NHS. The new ratings are split into two parts: quality of services and use of resources.
Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust has received an overall score of “fair” on both targets which matches that of the majority of Trusts in the West Midlands region.
The overall assessments reflect performance in multiple areas and the Trust was assessed as good in:
- Diagnostic Services – how long people have to wait for test results
- Management of Admissions – the patient experience for admission from a waiting list or via A&E
The Trust also achieved most of the specific targets set by the Healthcare Commission.
The assessment has also highlighted areas where we need to improve, such as early psychological assessment of A&E attendees who have self harmed and the recording of advice given to pregnant women on the dangers of smoking. Plans are already in place to make improvements in these areas.
Due to unpredicted increases in emergency patient admissions, a number of operations were cancelled at the Trust. Significant progress has been made in reducing cancelled operations and work is underway within the local health community to help manage this increase in emergency demand.
David Rose, Chief Executive commented “I would like to congratulate staff at all levels for their hard work and dedication over the last year. They have coped tremendously well with the increased demand on services, whilst ensuring a high standard of care. I am encouraged by our good performance in a number of areas and am pleased to see staff working together to ensure that we continue to make improvements in areas outlined in this Annual Health Check.”
Further information
Please contact: Katrina Wilcox, Head of Corporate Affairs 01432 372928