WELL and truly up to the "mark" - that's the pioneering Pinfold Lane Centre in Whitefield.

Staff and management are celebrating the re-awarding of the coveted Government Charter Mark which recognises excellence in public service.

Not only had the centre to meet the same 10 criteria following the awarding of the first Charter Mark three years ago, but the social services-run establishment also had to show an improvement.

Pinfold Lane offers a unique local service for suffers of dimentia and Alzheimer's Disease and activities include aromatherapy and music therapy.

It helps as many as 40 people a day from across the borough, offering a range of sensory and intellectual activities.

When the centre originally opened its doors in 1992, it was the only day service run by social services in the North West.

To win a Charter Mark, organisations must demonstrate they meet 10 tough criteria including set standards of service, providing full information, consultation and encouraging access.

Other requirements involve promotion of choice, putting things right when they go wrong and using resources effectively. Mrs Monica Crossley, officer-in-charge at the centre, said: "To be re-awarded the Charter Mark, we had to meet the same criteria again and to be seen improving on these.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be awarded this again, as are all the 24 staff here."

Councillor Pam Walker, social services spokeswoman, said: "The awarding of the Charter Mark underlines the commitment and professionalism of all concerned with Pinfold Lane to ensure it continues to offer a first class service.

"In order to win the Mark for the second time, it was necessary to re-evaluate all the original 10 criteria and carry out improvements where necessary."

Also celebrating is North Manchester General Hospital whose acute home treatment service is the first NHS mental health service in the country to be awarded a third, consecutive Charter Mark.

Together with a second successive Charter Mark for the day services unit, which sees more than 12,000 patients a year, the award to the acute home treatment service brings North Manchester General's total of Charter Marks to nine.

The award was first made to the acute home treatment service in 1993 when it had just established its innovative programme of providing professional support in their own homes to people with mental health problems.

Since then, the number of patients involved has risen from 30 to 600.

Other Charter Marks awarded at North Manchester General are in the accident and emergency unit, audiology department, dermatology unit and Sir Sidney Hamburger Day Unit for older people.

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