RUH rated in UK's top 40

9:35am Monday 14th May 2007

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THE Royal United Hospital in Bath has been named for the third year running as one of the 40 top performing hospitals in the UK.

The study carried out by CHKS, an independent healthcare performance company, revealed that patients treated at any of the CHKS Top Hospitals are safer and less likely to pick up hospital acquired infections such as MRSA.

The RUH is one of only three hospitals in the south west to be rated so highly.

CHKS examined the number of actual deaths versus the expected number of deaths for each hospital.

The survey revealed that although overall mortality rates are falling across most hospitals, on average there were 297 fewer deaths than expected within each of the CHKS 40 Top Hospitals compared to 73 fewer deaths than expected for those outside this group.

The analysis also found that there were 12% fewer MRSA infections within the CHKS 40 Top Hospitals and that the use of beds was more efficient.

Welcoming the survey results, RUH deputy medical director Tim Craft said: "Ensuring the safety of our patients is part of our approach to providing top quality clinical care and remains our highest priority.

Gaining the CHKS award for a third year running is a great tribute to our staff and recognises their contribution towards these priorities."