Menu
27/07/2005
Report reveals fewer hospitals receiving top rating
Fewer UK hospitals are receiving excellent ratings, according to the latest annual star ratings report from the Healthcare Commission.
The latest figures showed that there was a drop in the number of acute hospital trusts achieving the top three-star rating for the first time in four years.
The report found there were increases in the number of three-star ratings awarded to primary care, mental health and ambulance trusts. However, there were still only 19% of primary care trusts and a quarter of mental health trusts with three-star ratings. 12 out of 31 ambulance trusts also still had zero or one-star ratings, despite a 10% increase in three-star ratings.
The NHS watchdog also found that many trusts are struggling to balance their finances. The report showed that almost a quarter of all trusts, including a third of hospital trusts, failed to achieve financial balance for the year 2004/2005, resulting in a total overspend of £500 million.
Hospitals were also found to be struggling to meet government targets.
All trusts met the national accident and emergency target, which required 90% of patients to wait less than four hours. However, when the target was raised to 98% in the last three months of the year, 62 out of 159 acute trust failed to meet the target.
However, the ratings also showed that there had been a drop in death rates from cancer, stroke and heart disease, while improvements had also been made in reducing cases of MRSA.
Anna Walker, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission, said: “The NHS is improving against tougher targets. The overall improvement in performance this year should not be underestimated. Today the targets are a lot tougher, but despite this many trusts are rising to the challenge.”
However, Ms Walker admitted that financial performance was “the fly in the ointment”. She said: “Quality of care is inextricably linked to good financial management. Temporary instability must not lead to a permanent problem. If it does, patients will lose out because the standards of care will suffer."
Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “ NHS finances are close to meltdown. The government have imposed costs on the NHS and wasted money on bureaucracy, rather than spending it on front-line care.
“The result will be major reductions in services in many parts of the country. Until we have genuine reform of the NHS, services will not grow to meet the standards we all aspire to.”
This is the final year that the Commission will rate performance using the current star ratings system. Next year, the inspectorate will rate trusts by reference to its new annual health check, which aims to give a more comprehensive picture of NHS performance.
(KMcA/SP)
The latest figures showed that there was a drop in the number of acute hospital trusts achieving the top three-star rating for the first time in four years.
The report found there were increases in the number of three-star ratings awarded to primary care, mental health and ambulance trusts. However, there were still only 19% of primary care trusts and a quarter of mental health trusts with three-star ratings. 12 out of 31 ambulance trusts also still had zero or one-star ratings, despite a 10% increase in three-star ratings.
The NHS watchdog also found that many trusts are struggling to balance their finances. The report showed that almost a quarter of all trusts, including a third of hospital trusts, failed to achieve financial balance for the year 2004/2005, resulting in a total overspend of £500 million.
Hospitals were also found to be struggling to meet government targets.
All trusts met the national accident and emergency target, which required 90% of patients to wait less than four hours. However, when the target was raised to 98% in the last three months of the year, 62 out of 159 acute trust failed to meet the target.
However, the ratings also showed that there had been a drop in death rates from cancer, stroke and heart disease, while improvements had also been made in reducing cases of MRSA.
Anna Walker, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission, said: “The NHS is improving against tougher targets. The overall improvement in performance this year should not be underestimated. Today the targets are a lot tougher, but despite this many trusts are rising to the challenge.”
However, Ms Walker admitted that financial performance was “the fly in the ointment”. She said: “Quality of care is inextricably linked to good financial management. Temporary instability must not lead to a permanent problem. If it does, patients will lose out because the standards of care will suffer."
Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “ NHS finances are close to meltdown. The government have imposed costs on the NHS and wasted money on bureaucracy, rather than spending it on front-line care.
“The result will be major reductions in services in many parts of the country. Until we have genuine reform of the NHS, services will not grow to meet the standards we all aspire to.”
This is the final year that the Commission will rate performance using the current star ratings system. Next year, the inspectorate will rate trusts by reference to its new annual health check, which aims to give a more comprehensive picture of NHS performance.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
15 October 2009
Concerns Raised On 'Weak' NHS Trusts
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised doubts about 20 NHS trusts in England rated "weak" on quality, and a further 27 that have not been higher than "fair" for quality and Financial Management in the last four years.
Concerns Raised On 'Weak' NHS Trusts
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised doubts about 20 NHS trusts in England rated "weak" on quality, and a further 27 that have not been higher than "fair" for quality and Financial Management in the last four years.
16 January 2004
First wave of Foundation Trust hospitals announced
Health Secretary John Reid today confirmed that he will support 24 NHS Trusts in their bids to become the first wave of NHS Foundation Trusts.
First wave of Foundation Trust hospitals announced
Health Secretary John Reid today confirmed that he will support 24 NHS Trusts in their bids to become the first wave of NHS Foundation Trusts.
08 October 2003
First wave of hospitals apply for foundation trust status
The government has revealed that 32 three-star NHS Trusts have completed the first stage of the application process to become NHS Foundation Trusts.
First wave of hospitals apply for foundation trust status
The government has revealed that 32 three-star NHS Trusts have completed the first stage of the application process to become NHS Foundation Trusts.
13 May 2009
NHS Criticised Over Baby P 'Systematic Failings'
The National Health Service (NHS) has come under fire for a catalogue of "systematic failings" which contributed to Baby P's death.
NHS Criticised Over Baby P 'Systematic Failings'
The National Health Service (NHS) has come under fire for a catalogue of "systematic failings" which contributed to Baby P's death.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
