ST Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been ranked as the best NHS Trust in England in the latest national assessments for the third year running.

The Patient Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) programme awarded first place to the Trust after inspections were carried out at Whiston and St Helens hospitals, and the Intermediate Care Unit at Newton Hospital.

Scoring an average of 99 per cent across the board, the Trust achieved top marks in the country for cleanliness, food, privacy and dignity, condition of the buildings and facilities for patients living with dementia and patients with disabilities.

The Trust also scored 100 per cent for cleanliness and for the condition of the hospital’s buildings.

The PLACE assessments inspect and score all acute and specialist organisations throughout England. The assessments are carried out by patients, patient representatives and members of the public.

Ann Marr, chief executive, said: “It is wonderful news that the Trust has been named the best trust in the country for the third year running and has achieved the highest scores for cleanliness.

"The Trust’s staff work extremely hard to maintain the highest standards and these results highlight our commitment to providing high quality care for our patients in excellent facilities.”