Call to reinstate hospital's rating

A single mistake meant a key target was missed

A hospital's top star rating should be restored after it was downgraded over a mistake with one patient, an MP has claimed.

The loss of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's three-star rating was "crazy", said Norwich Labour MP Dr Ian Gibson.

Managers claim the hospital was given a two-star status after a temporary secretary forgot to arrange an operation for one patient, meaning a key target was missed.

The MP called on the Department of Health to reconsider the rating score.

Extra funding

The £230m hospital, built at the end of last year, was downgraded in government league tables published last month.

But it emerged the failure to book in one patient for an operation date meant the hospital missed a target for in-patients to be treated within 18-months of being referred by a GP.

The reinstatement of three-star status could mean an extra £1m in funding for the hospital.

"I thinks it's crazy if for a reason like that a hospital, which performs well in every other aspect of its work, doesn't get its status," said Dr Gibson.

Hospital support

"They must have a very strong case for an appeal."

The hospital failed to meet a second target on cancer care but claimed the move to new premises had affected waiting times.

A hospital spokesman said: "There isn't actually a formal appeal process but we have made representation to the Department of Health about some of our views.

"We do support the protest."