A SURVEY by a top medical researcher has named York Hospital as one of the best in the UK.

The research, by consultants CHKS, listed the 40 best-performing hospital trusts according to a range of criteria, including the number of cancelled operations, MRSA rates and re-admission figures.

It is the second year running that York has made it on to the list.

The researchers said those trusts on the list experience an average of 11.7 per cent fewer deaths than those not on it, and also achieved shorter lengths of stay.

CHKS said this meant 700,000 fewer bed days were needed - the equivalent of two fewer wards per trust compared to other UK trusts.

The company said this year's top 40 also performed better than last year's, with 19 per cent fewer day case overstays per trust, 16 per cent fewer complications and seven per cent fewer deaths overall.

York Hospital's chief executive, Jim Easton, was pleased that the hospital had been included on the list. He said: "It's really good news.

"It's recognition of the continued excellent work that staff have done to run excellent services, and to improve them. It's not the first time this has happened, so it's continued recognition of the strong comparative performance of York Hospital, and we really welcome it."

He added: "The survey measures things that are important to patients, like the quality of care we provide, so it's a very good measure and an independent one."

CHKS chief executive, Graham Harries, said: "With the tendency for positive messages to be overshadowed, we are proud to be able to highlight and reward some of the best practice and excellent work done in the NHS.

"These success stories should not only give patients faith in their health service but also reward staff for their dedication and efforts to improve their performance and provide the best service they can."

CHKS identified the top 40 trusts alphabetically, so it can't be said how York's performance compares to others on the list.

According to the survey, the most improved trust in the UK was North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Updated: 09:34 Friday, May 05, 2006