News

Imperial receives good bill of health in annual health check - 16 October 2008

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has been given a good bill of health for both the quality of its services and its financial management in this year’s annual health check.

In the first assessment as a new organisation, the Trust received a 'good' rating for both the quality of its services and the use of its resources and met targets on MRSA and C. difficile reduction.

This is an improvement on last year’s results when the Trust was rated as the two former organisations – Hammersmith Hospitals and St Mary’s NHS Trusts. Then, both trusts were given a 'good' score for the quality of its services but St Mary’s and Hammersmith were given 'good' and 'fair' ratings for use of resources respectively.

The quality of services assessment measures how well the Trust is performing against nationally set standards and targets, including new targets.

In 2007/08 the Trust fully met existing national targets including four-hour waits in A&E, inpatient and outpatient waiting times and treatment times for all cancers. It also fully met core standards on safety, governance, patient focus including privacy, dignity and care, environment and amenities. It was deemed as good at meeting new targets, achieving those set on MRSA bacteraemia and C. difficile.

On patient focus scores it was given full marks for promoting dignity and respect and keeping the public healthy. Safety and cleanliness received a score of 12 out of 13.

Professor Stephen Smith, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and principal of Imperial College’s faculty of medicine, said: “We’re pleased that we were able to raise the bar compared to last year, particularly as we achieved this during the challenging time of the merger. Thanks to all staff for making this possible. Our goal is to see continuous improvement and be rated as excellent across the board.”

The annual check, carried out by the Healthcare Commission and published online, also highlights how well every NHS trust has performed in a number of different areas of interest to patients and the public. 

ENDS
Notes to editors:
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust comprises Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea, St Mary’s and Western Eye hospitals. It is the largest Trust in the country, and in partnership with Imperial College London, is the UK’s first academic health science centre (AHSC).

For more information please contact:
Cymbeline Moore, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust press office
Tel: 020 7886 2386
Email: cymbeline.moore@imperial.nhs.uk