THE trust that runs our hospitals has been ranked as the best in England in the latest national assessments.

The Patient Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) programme awarded first place to St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for the fourth time after inspections were carried out at Whiston and St Helens hospitals, and the intermediate care unit at Newton Hospital.

The Trust achieved top marks in the country, with 100 per cent for cleanliness and condition of the buildings and was also ranked the top acute trust for disabled access and facilities, scoring 99 per cent.

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

The assessments were paused during the Covid pandemic and resumed in 2022 with the Trust maintaining its position as the best in the NHS.

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

“Our team 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.”