Health Secretary praises Trust's 'exceptional improvement'

HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt has congratulated staff for "exceptional improvement" made at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.  The Trust was the most improved in England between January and March for getting patients home from Hospital.  Shorter Hospital stays are an indicator of efficient care as well as releasing beds to newly poorly patients who need them.

In a letter to the chair and chief executive, Mr Hunt said:- "The Trust is a real example to others, demonstrating how to improve performance in a short space of time and ensure that your patients get the care they deserve.  From visiting organisations throughout the country, I know that the immense amount of work that will have been behind this outcome cannot be underestimated. Improvement on such a scale is very impressive and testament to the hard work and dedication of the Trust's staff."

Interim Chief Executive Karen Jackson said:- "I am delighted the enormous efforts staff are making to give patients the very best care is now being recognised at a national level. They are a fantastic team and a privilege to work with."