Top marks for Hartlepool health service

NHS Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which coordinates the delivery of health services, received the highest rating in an annual assessment published by NHS England.

All CCGs in England are subject to a yearly comprehensive assessment framework led by NHS England and examines 51 indicators across a number of areas including performance, delivery, outcomes, finance and leadership.

NHS England recognised significant improvements and progress made by Hartlepool and Stockton CCG over the last year which saw its rating improve from ‘good’ in 2016/17.

Chief Officer of the CCG Ali Wilson said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our member practices, providers and partners across health and social care and the voluntary sector for their help in achieving this rating and driving improvements across health and social care in our local communities.”

The CCG said a number of key areas of strength were highlighted in the assessment being placed in the top quartile of CCGs nationally in a series of indicators including, quality of life for carers, cancer patient experience and dementia diagnosis.

Its proactive approach to quality and continuing to hit most fundamental NHS standards were also recognised as well as the creation of a learning disability commissioning hub and joint cancer workplan.

But the assessment also identified a number of areas that remain challenging to the CCG.

They related to obesity, one year survival from all cancers, maternal smoking at delivery and choices in maternity services.

The assessment considers the strengths, challenges and areas for improvement before applying a headline rating of outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.