DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 16 October 2008
The Healthcare
Commission (HC), England's healthcare watchdog, has today
published its Annual Health Check - the toughest and most
comprehensive assessment of the NHS. The report shows significant
improvements across the health service with 42 trusts rated as
'excellent', over twice as many as last year.
Major improvement has been made at all levels with only six
trusts receiving weak ratings for both quality and finance, a
reduction from 20 on the previous Health Check. The report
particularly commends the progress made in ambulance response
times, infection control and waits for cancer treatment.
Commenting on the report Secretary of State for Health Alan
Johnson said:
"The progress being made by the NHS at both ends of the
scale means real benefits for patients in the quality of care they
receive. Sixty percent of Trusts are now rated as excellent to
good - two years ago 60 percent were fair or poor. I congratulate
those trusts that have achieved top ratings and thank all staff
involved for their hard work and dedication to raising standards.
"I also thank the Healthcare Commission for its commitment
to improving Healthcare. The success highlighted in this report
would not be possible without its rigorous monitoring and ongoing
support. We will now work with the Healthcare Commission to
address any areas of weakness which still exist to ensure all
patients receive high quality care."
The Annual Health Check is an important tool for measuring
performance across the NHS and identifying areas for improvement.
The Department of Health (DH) is working with the HC to take
action against trusts that have performed badly. Any trust scoring
'weak' in either quality or finance will be asked to
prepare an action plan by 23 October, detailing steps taken and
further plans to address weaknesses. In addition, DH will be
meeting with trusts scoring 'weak' in both components to
address concerns. All action plans will be monitored and trusts
will be revisited in the New Year.
This is the third Annual Health Check produced by the HC and
shows improvement for the second year running. This is testament
to the important role the Healthcare Commission plays in measuring
and improving performance. From April next year the Care Quality
Commission will replace the HC and work with the NHS to report on
performance and advise where improvement is needed.
- ENDS -
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information please contact the Department of
Health Press Office on 020 7210 5221.
2. The full Healthcare Commission Annual Health Check can be
found at: http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/homepage.cfm