Two-star status health trust performing well (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Two-star status health trust performing well

COTSWOLD and Vale Primary Care Trust has retained its two-star status for the third year running.

The trust, which purchases and provides health services for 190,000 people was rewarded for performing well overall but needs to take action to improve performance in certain areas according to Inspectors from the Healthcare Commission.

Cotswold and Vale scored highly in areas including cervical screening, teenage pregnancy prevention and support for patients who want to quit smoking. It was noted that 1,197 people stopped smoking for four weeks or more, exceeding the target by 280.

The trust achieved seven of its eight key targets, but 'significantly underachieved' on financial management.

"We've faced a challenging year," said Richard James, chief executive of Cotswold and Vale PCT. "Like many health trusts, we reported a year end deficit.

"Despite this, the quality of services we provide has ensured we retained two stars."

The PCT was measured against a balanced scorecard, with performance rated from one, poor, to five, excellent, in 32 categories.

Cotswold and Vale achieved a band five rating in ten categories this year - four more than in 2003-04.

Areas of excellence included NHS dentistry, flu vaccinations, child and adolescent mental health services, cervical screening and commissioning of new mental health workers.

Cotswold and Vale also achieved a band five rating in the health equity audit, reducing death rates from circulatory disease, teenage pregnancy prevention and data quality on ethnic group.

"The award of two stars recognises the dedication and commitment of all our staff to providing excellent healthcare that meets patients' needs," said Mr James.

He added: "Our staff have done brilliantly in often difficult circumstances.

"And we also owe a big debt of thanks to Gloucestershire Foundation Hospitals Trust and the Partnership Trust, which have provided us with consistently excellent hospital and mental health services."

Anyone interested in finding out more about Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust can visit its website at www.cotsvalepct.org.uk.