The annual health check examines healthcare provision, and the steps taken to make and sustain ongoing improvements in the healthcare provided by hospitals.

The health check looks at a wide range of areas, from the overall quality of care – including safety of patients, cleanliness and waiting times – to how well trusts manage their finances.

Milton Keynes Hospital performed consistently well throughout the year and achieved all but one of the core standards set by the Government regarding quality of services. The Trust’s financial standing was found to be excellent as all finance targets were achieved.

The annual health check is the system for assessing and rating the performance of NHS healthcare organisations in England and aims to give the public a comprehensive picture of local NHS healthcare organisations.  
 
Jill Rodney, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted with this result. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all Trust staff whose efforts have been rightly rewarded with such a positive assessment from the Healthcare Commission.
 
“We have achieved a ‘good’ for quality of services and ‘excellent’ for use of resources, which shows our dedication towards delivering the right treatment at the right time to meet the needs of the people we serve.
 
“Our vision is to be the hospital of choice. We continue to invest in our services to ensure that the healthcare needs of local people are met, and that the care we provide is second to none.”
 
Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Chair, Dr Walter Greaves, added: “This independent assessment of the high quality of NHS care here shows the hard work and dedication of staff.”

Now in its third year, the health check gives people the chance to compare performance with the previous year. People can see whether organisations are improving against Government standards and targets on issues ranging from safety to waiting times.

Last year Milton Keynes Hospital scored’ good’ for use of resources and ‘good’ for quality of services. In 2005/06 the Trust received ratings for ‘fair’ for both use of resources and quality of services. The performance ratings clearly reveal that Milton Keynes Hospital is committed to improving quality of services and making best use of resources.

The full results can be found on the Healthcare Commission website at www.healthcarecommission.org.uk