Health trust receives top marks

The trust is involved in providing mental health facilities

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust has scored a top level rating in this year's review by the Audit Commission.

The trust is one of just 14 NHS organisations in England to be rated at level four - "performing strongly".

Trust chief executive Ron Shields, said staff had focused on "improving both the quality of our services and our efficiency over the past six years".

"We are delighted that our performance ratings demonstrate how much we have achieved," he said.

"This year's report from the Audit Commission shows that we are one of the best performing NHS organisations in the country when it comes to managing our resources.

"This is a strong reflection on how we successfully plan and manage our resources and ensure value for money in all our services."

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust is the main provider of mental health, learning disability, sexual health and drug and alcohol services in Northamptonshire.