Patients at West Suffolk Hospital are receiving fast, effective and safe treatment, according to new data released today (27 April).

End-of-year performance figures discussed by the Trust Board show the hospital hit its target for reducing healthcare associated infections. Just one case of MRSA bloodstream infection (also known as MRSA bacteraemia) and 23 cases of clostridium difficile were recorded during 2011/12, compared with thresholds of two and 29 respectively.

West Suffolk also surpassed the 95% target for seeing, treating and discharging A&E patients within four hours, recording a figure for the year of 98.1%.

In addition, the hospital met all targets for waiting times and reducing falls and pressure ulcers as well as keeping cancelled operations to a minimum.

Mortality rates at West Suffolk also continue to be low, with fewer deaths recorded than would be expected when factors such as demographic information, patients’ ages, the severity of their illness and local deprivation levels are taken into account.

Stephen Graves, chief executive at the hospital, said: “We are really pleased with our performance across the year, which shows that patients using West Suffolk are receiving a consistent service and fast, effective and safe treatment.

“I would like to pass on my thanks to our staff, who have worked extremely hard to achieve these great results whilst maintaining the highest possible standards on behalf of our patients.

“Despite these achievements, we will not become complacent. We recognise that we do not always get things right and will continue to learn from the feedback we receive from patient, families and relatives.

“This will allow us to build on these solid foundations over the coming year by looking for ways in which we can improve still further for the benefit of everyone using West Suffolk Hospital.”

The Trust also scored well in the 2011 staff survey, falling within the country’s top 20% of trusts in 23 out of 38 key findings, and ended the financial year recording a surplus of £619,000