FAIRFIELD and North Manchester General Hospitals have received top marks for their efforts to cut patient waiting times.

The Audit Commission has awarded the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust three stars (the highest grade) for the way patient information is used to make inpatient and outpatient appointments.

Trust spokesman Karen James said: "We need to know that we can rely on this data in order to minimise waiting times for patients. Having the system means that we can ensure that patients receive their appointments in line with clinical priorities and national guidelines.

"This three star rating is a credit to our teams who do this work. Naturally we will not be complacent and we certainly have room for improvement, but we are delighted that the efforts of our staff have been recognised. This is a real achievement for them, which will bring real benefits to patients, and help us continue to cut waiting lists."

The trust was praised for staff training procedures in waiting list management and the appointment of a data quality manager.