Trust insists it is improving despite above average death rate

Rochdale Infirmary

The Pennine Acute Trust which runs the Rochdale Infirmary has some of the worst death rates in the country.

The Trust which also runs Fairfield General Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital, The Royal Oldham Hospital and services at Birch Hill is one of 19 Trusts in England where the death rate is higher than expected.

The Dr Foster Hospital Guide 2010 said in 2009/10 Pennine Acute had a death rate of 110 – compared to the national average of 100.

However, Pennine Acute says things are improving and the stats 'don’t necessarily reflect poor care.'

Dr Ruth Jameson, medical director for The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, acknowledged the Trust had taken action to address the underperformance since last year.

She said: “Patient safety continues to be the Trust’s top priority. The Trust is committed to improving patient safety and aims to have no avoidable deaths and no avoidable harm. We monitor hospital mortality across all our hospitals closely on a monthly basis. Patient safety reports are presented and discussed at the Trust Board; these reports are publicly available on our website.

“Mortality statistics do not necessarily reflect poor quality care and can be attributed to a range of factors including the health of the local population and the way in which data is recorded.

"Last year we recognised that we had more work to do to reduce mortality. We took firm action. The results of that action to improve clinical practice and patient pathways across various services can now be seen.”

Friends of Our Hospital campaigner, Councillor Jean Ashworth said: “This is extremely worrying – more so now that they are cutting back on beds.

“My personal opinion is if they are not going to be providing extra funding for the winter pressure season then the Pennine Acute will be in serious trouble again with higher than average figures – something needs to be put in motion urgently.

“All it is with the Pennine Acute is saving money and bad management and it is not acceptable.

“I hope there will be a full investigation into what has gone on.”

The Dr Foster Hospital Guide 2010 is available here: www.drfosterhealth.co.uk