Review gives hospital top marks

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been praised

A new Audit Commission review has revealed the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital was in the top five in England for value for money.

But the review of NHS trusts gave the Great Yarmouth and Waveney Primary Care Trust (PCT) the lowest rating for the second year in a row.

The Audit Commission rates them from one to four, with four being the highest possible score.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital received the top rating.

Anna Dugdale, acting chief executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, said: "The best-performing hospitals are always built on the firm foundation of sound financial management and a culture of delivering value for money.

"It's a tribute to all our staff that once again the Audit Commission has identified Norfolk and Norwich as among the very best performers in the country."

The commission reports that only five NHS trusts in the country were strong performers in the category of value for money.

The report states: "There were still very few organisations assessed to be at the highest level."

David Matthews, director of finance and performance at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: "We are disappointed to have received a 'weak' rating from the Audit Commission for our use of resources in 2007/08.

"According to the report, there were four areas which did not meet their requirements and these have already been corrected as part of an action plan to work towards a 'good' rating this financial year."