Dear reader,
West Suffolk Hospital has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of the high quality of care it provides for the fifth consecutive year.
The trusts is one of five finalists in the quality of care category in the Top Hospital Awards 2015, which are run by independent healthcare intelligence company CHKS. It is the fifth year running that West Suffolk has been shortlisted, with the trust winning the award in 2011 and 2012.
The quality of care accolade is given for excellence in high quality care to patients, appropriate to their diagnosis. It is based on a number of criteria, including the length of time patients stay in hospital, waiting times and the rate of emergency readmissions. Mortality rates and whether the patient’s care pathway proceeded as originally planned were also included in the assessment.
Prof Dr Stephen Dunn, chief executive at the hospital, said:
“We are really pleased that West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted once again for this prized national accolade. To be named as a finalist for five years in a row is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff. It also shows that patients using the hospital are receiving safe, high quality and effective care. However, we are not complacent and will continue to look for ways to improve still further so that our patients have the best possible experience when using our services.”
Jason Harries, managing director with CHKS said:
“Every hospital is accountable to its patients, their families and carers as well as the local community to provide a safe environment. Our quality of care award highlights those trusts that clearly share a commitment to driving improvement and engendering a culture of excellence throughout their organisations and it is a credit to the staff at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust that it has been shortlisted for this award.”
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 19 May.
