How well we perform

Annual Health Check

Each year the quality of healthcare we provide is assessed through the Annual Health Check.

The Annual Health Check scores NHS Trusts on how well they manage their finances, resources such as staff and property, and on the quality of services they provide. The scores are based on information gathered throughout the year.

We performed well in the Annual Health Check 2007/08, being rated 'fair' for the quality of services we provide, and 'fair' for how well we use our resources. We had to work hard to sustain this rating, continuously striving to raise standards in order to meet the rising criteria that the health check is measured by.

It was also found that we fully met all 24 core standards which are measured by 43 indicators covering areas such as public health, care environment and amenities, accessibility and responsiveness and safety, all of which we complied with. 

The review also identified areas where we are taking a lead and performing well against national targets. These include:

  • Maintaining the four hour maximum wait in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge
  • Maintaining a two week maximum wait from urgent GP referral to first outpatient appointment for all urgent suspected cancer referrals
  • Maintaining delayed transfers of care at a minimal level
  • Maintaining a maximum wait of 26 weeks for an inpatient appointment
  • Maintaining a maximum wait of 13 weeks for an outpatient appointment 

We improved in a number of areas including:

  • Commissioning a comprehensive child and adolescent mental health service
  • Waiting times for diagnostic tests 

We also met the new criteria in areas such as:

  • Meeting the target for four week smoking quitters
  • The national child measurement programme
  • Compliance with guidelines concerning obesity 

As part of the health check the Healthcare Commission cross-referenced assessments from various sources to identify performance in key areas. Our scores included:

  • Safety and cleanliness 12/12
  • Standard of care 7/7
  • Dignity and respect 9/11
  • Keeping the public healthy 6/7
  • Good management 16/16  

Annual report

Each year we review the previous twelve months and produce an Annual Report. This gives an overview of how well the organisation has performed and how well it has managed its finances. It also sets out key initiatives and aims for the future.

The most recent Annual Report was released in late September 2008 and reviews our performance for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.