Health study shows up huge variations

Nov 30 2009 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

HOSPITALS across the region have been found to have an "unacceptable" variation of healthcare.

Some NHS hospital trusts in the North East were rated as below average in an independent survey, which is based on a range of indicators including death and infection rates as well as staffing levels.

Some trusts, including South Tyneside and County Durham and Darlington, were banded within the second lowest category, a "2 rating".

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland trusts were rated highly for patient safety, receiving a second tier "4 rating" in Dr Foster’s Hospital Guide.

Last night the Conservatives called for a "massive overhaul" of the inspection regime, saying the data highlight an "extraordinary contrast" between the Dr Foster study and "box ticking" self-assessments carried out by hospital trusts.

Roger Taylor, director and co-founder of the annual survey, said although none of the North East’s hospital trusts were rated as amongst the poorest performers in the country for patient safety, healthcare variations were unsatisfactory.

He said: "Over the last nine years of the Hospital Guide, we have seen a steady improvement in hospital performance but unacceptable variations between hospitals still exist.

"We will continue to publish data in order to provide information to the public, drive improvement in patient care and save lives. Trusts should use the guide to carefully investigate where problems exist, even those who have performed well.

"Patients and the public should use the Hospital Guide to help make choices about where they want to be treated, to ask the right questions of their health professionals and to hold hospitals to account."