Dr Foster is an independent organisation dedicated to helping patients make informed decisions about their health by comparing the performance of NHS trusts and evaluating the levels of NHS quality throughout the UK.
The Hospital Guide, which is published annually and includes data from NHS hospitals across England and Wales, highlights where the NHS is performing well, as well as areas where there is room for improvement.
Hospital Guide 2011
Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals are amongst the safest in the country, according to the latest Hospital Guide published on 28 November 2011. They have been named as having some of the lowest mortality rates in England and Wales.
Significantly, the Trust is also featured in a list of just 21 hospital trusts (out of 147) where the number of patients who die is significantly lower than expected.
The hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) is an indicator of whether the death rate at a hospital is higher or lower than you would expect. It looks at the majority of activity in a hospital where risk of death is significant, and compares how many people would be expected to die with the actual rate of death.
Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals have an HSMR of 86.6, which is 13.4% lower than the expected death rate.
This year the Guide also includes a new indicator - the summary hospital level mortality indicator (SHMI). For the first time, this considers all deaths that take place both in hospital and within 30 days of discharge, offering a more comprehensive picture of deaths following hospital care. The Trust has an SHMI of 91, which is 9% lower than expected.
Chief Executive Matthew Hopkins said: "This is excellent news. To score better than expected on both indicators is a fantastic achievement and, put simply, it proves that our patients receive some of the safest care in the country when they come into our hospitals.
"Being in the list of top hospitals - and alongside well known trusts like Guy's and St Thomas' - is something we are very proud of and it gives a clear message to our patients and local people that the care we provide is as safe as you would get in larger, more famous, hospitals."
Dr Martin Stockwell is the Joint Medical Director. He said: "Our doctors, nurses and other staff work incredibly hard to ensure patients get the very best, very safest care. It's excellent news to see our ongoing commitment to our patient's safety is really paying off.
"These latest figures should reassure everyone who lives locally about the importance we place on providing first class care. The Dr Foster Hospital Guide is a vital, independent reflection of the safety of the care we provide. "
Matthew added: "Whilst we are proud to be listed as some of the safest hospitals in England and Wales, we are not complacent, and must continue to work hard to maintain - and further improve - our low mortality rates."
