PRESTON Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded Beacon status by the Department of Health for initiatives to reduce waiting lists and times.

Health Minister John Denham described the Preston Trust's work as 'a shining example of good practice'. He awarded the Preston Trust £50,000 to help disseminate this good practice to the wider NHS.

The Preston Trust is among the first NHS organisations to win Beacon status. Jeff Moore, Preston and Chorley Trust chief executive, said: "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award for our initiatives to reduce waiting lists and times.

"It is recognition for all the hard work of the waiting list department. The waiting list department in Preston has worked in partnership with medical and support staff, forging excellent relationships which have enabled such a marked reduction in our waiting lists. On behalf of both Trust Boards I would like to congratulate all staff involved with this magnificent achievement." Lytham Road Surgery, Fulwood, scooped a Primary Care Beacon Award - plus £4,000 - for their clinical services.

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