HOSPITAL patients in Preston are benefiting from improved services and shorter waiting times.

A national Audit Commission study of NHS trusts and health authorities published this week showed a highly successful year for Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The Royal Preston Hospital received 29 five star awards in 1995/96 - a massive improvement on the previous year when they gained just three.

Areas scoring top marks at the hospital included general surgery, accident and emergency, day care surgery, waiting list times and gynaecology.

Stephen Ashcroft, Chief Executive of the Preston trust, said: "The new performance ratings are a tribute to all the Trust's staff who have worked extremely hard to improve services to patients.

"Changes in clinical practice and the opening of the Day Surgery Unit at Royal Preston Hospital have led to an increase in the amount of work undertaken," he explained. The hospital also got ten four-star awards, seven three-star, three two-star and two one-star awards.

The results were announced on the same day it was revealed Lancashire Ambulance Service has again proved to be one of the country's top performers.

Government tables show that the service attended 98.1 per cent of all emergencies within the Patient's Charter standard of 19 minutes - well above the national target of 95 per cent.

David Hill, Chief Executive of Lancashire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said despite the good results there was no room for complacency. "As a trust we are committed to continuing to help our staff to help patients," he added.

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