We are nationally recognised as one of the best foundation trusts in England, with many accolades achieved over a number of years in recognition of the quality and safety of our care. These include:

• Being named as one of the 40 best performing organisations for the fourth consecutive year by CHKS, the UK’s leading independent provider of healthcare intelligence and quality improvement services. The 40 Top Hospitals award measures clinical effectiveness, health outcomes, efficiency, patient experience and quality of care. 

• Commended in the 2010 HSJ awards for acute healthcare organisation of the year category. This was for the improvements we made to patient safety, the quality of our services and the patient experience.

• Board leadership award in the 2010 Patient Safety Awards. This was in recognition of the commitment our board of directors have to improving patient safety and quality of care.

• Our hospitals named the safest places in the North East to have a baby after our maternity services achieved the highest possible safety rating from the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA). 

• North Tyneside and Wansbeck general hospitals rated among the best in the country for operating quickly on hip fracture patients and because of the quality of care offered to patients.

• Bright Ideas in Health award for a device which allows patients who are approaching the end of their lives to take their own drinks. The specially-designed straw allows patients without the ability to drink, to control fluid intake and satisfy their thirst.