Local PCT outperforms other trusts (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Local PCT outperforms other trusts

PATIENTS have given the Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust a glowing reference.

Independent health watchdog the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI), carried out a series of patient surveys.

The reports compare trusts against national benchmarks in areas including access and waiting, provision of care, quality and availability of information and perception of care relationships.

Cotswold and Vale outperformed 80 per cent of trusts in 23 out of 53 criteria.

Chief executive Richard James said: "I am delighted that the hard work of all who work within the PCT, who are dedicated to delivering a first class patient service, is demonstrated by the results of this report, especially in our first year of operation.

"Patient feedback and involvement initiatives have been a cornerstone of our success.

"However, we will continue to aim for ever higher standards of patient care and expect to see even better results in next year's survey."

Areas in which the trust excelled included ease of getting hold of GPs out of hours, convenience of surgery opening times and whether patients thought that GP surgery health professionals gave enough time to listen and discuss health problems.

Cotswold and Vale PCT only appeared in the worst performing 20 per cent of trusts in two out of the 53 criteria - whether blood pressure had been taken in the last 12 months and whether the Guide to Local Health Services was useful.

CHI deputy chief executive Jocelyn Cornwell said: "Hospitals and primary care providers need to know what their patients feel about the care they receive.

"For them to be at the centre of health services, patients' views and patients' priorities must be paramount.

"There is room for improvement even in the best services. I urge health service organisations and patient groups to use this information to improve care locally for patients."