GUILDFORD and Waverley Primary Care Trust (PCT) has been awarded a meagre one star in the annual NHS performance ratings, issued by the Health Commission (HC).

The HC assesses and reports on the performance of healthcare organisations in relation to 44 measurements and eight key areas, with NHS trusts examined – and ranked – in relation to government targets. A three-star accolade depicts the highest levels of achievement; two stars sees a hospital performing well; one star demonstrates cause for concern, and zero stars sees the poorest level of performance. Last year, the trust received a two-star rating and this hindrance, coupled with a deficit of £5.9 million in the last financial year, marks something of an annus horribilis.

"We are disappointed that we have lost a star this year, but we are determined that this will only be a temporary setback," said interim chief executive Jane Dale.

"We already have plans in progress to tackle our financial position, one of the target areas that we did not achieve this year," she continued.

Established in 2002, the trust provides all local health services in the region, including community hospitals at Farnham, Haslemere and Cranleigh, along with 29 GP practices and the specialist rehabilitation hospital in Milford.

"Overall, the PCT has still made significant progress across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical areas and we are proud of our staff and of the services we provide to our local population," added Mrs Dale.

"We reached six of the eight key targets measured, in particular improving on our waiting times target in A&E. I would like to thank our colleagues at the Royal Surrey County Hospital for their efforts in improving on this target since last year."

Meanwhile, the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford reacted with "satisfaction and delight" to their two-star rating.

The Royal Surrey was the only trust out of 173 to leap from zero stars to two stars, with all of the key eight areas of performance achieved.

"Although we were rated zero stars by the Health Commission for the past two years, we believe we have always offered good quality clinical care, but it's pleasing to see all of our hard work recognised," said acting chief executive Sue Lewis.

"I would like to take the opportunity thank every member of staff for their effort and commitment without which this achievement would not have been possible."

Frimley Park Hospital further enhanced its excellent reputation with its fourth three star award in the past five years.

With Frimley Park reaching Foundation Trust status in April this year, the hospital is one of the top five trusts in the country for the rate of improvement of MRSA infection rates. With 98 per cent of patients seen in A&E within four hours, Frimley Park is placed within the top 20 per cent of hospitals, and with inpatient waiting times hitting an all time best.

Chief executive Andrew Morris was clearly gratified with the result.

"Since the star ratings were introduced, Frimley Park Hospital has been consistently placed in the top 10 per cent hospitals in the country," he said.

"This is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to express my admiration, gratitude and thanks to the commitment of the staff to deliver the best possible health service to the local community.

"I am delighted that we have been awarded three stars and our efforts have been recognised once more," he concluded.