BOTH Whiston and St Helens Hospitals have been named the best in the UK for 'patient experience'.

In a ceremony at the Drapers' Hall in London, the award from CHKS Top Hospitals recognised the consistently high standards of care provided to patients.

The St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals Trust was chosen after scoring high in five key areas. This was through an inpatient survey carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Accident and emergency, outpatient and maternity surveys by the CQC, national Friends and Family scores, a Patient Led Assessment of the Care Environment (PLACE) in which the trust was also named best in the NHS and Patient Reported Outcome Measures.

A trust spokeswoman said they actively engage with patients through a number of initiatives including 'Patient Power Forums' which look at ways to improve care and patient representatives attending key action groups focusing on nursing standards, communication and competence.

Ann Marr chief executive of the trust said: "Our staff show exceptional professionalism and work incredibly hard throughout the hospitals to provide high standards of care to each and every patient. This award is testament to that hard work and I would like to thank all of our staff for their continued support.

"It is fantastic news that our patients recognise their commitment and feel they are receiving the very best care at our hospitals."

Jason Harries managing director at CHKS added: "Staff at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust should take pride in having won this award on the basis of our analysis of patient experience outcomes."