LANCASTER'S Acute Hospitals Trust 'broke a leg' to come second best in the region in the latest NHS performance tables.

Out of a total of 58 trusts in the North West, Lancaster came joint second overall for the number of five-star awards it won for its services.

The performance tables pitted the local trust against 'Patient Charter' standards and other hospitals in the region, with Lancaster achieving the maximum five-star rating in 37 out of a possible 55 categories. On hearing the news, the Trust's Chief Executive, Ian Cumming, said: "I am delighted that all the hard work and effort that our staff have put into reducing waiting times has been recognised in these tables. To be singled out last year as the most improved trust and then for this year's tables to show us as second best performer out of 58 hospitals in the region, with 37 five-star awards, is a remarkable tribute to all our staff.

I am particularly pleased that the challenging target of ensuring that 90 per cent of non-urgent out-patients being seen by a consultant within 13 weeks of referral by their GP has been fully achieved.

Lancaster Trust's Medical Director, Mr Justin Kelly, said: "The medical and nursing teams have worked extraordinarily hard in the past year to achieve these results, despite ever increasing pressure from emergency admissions. We are delighted with the progress that has been achieved in improving the quality of service for patients which is reflected in these results."

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