TWO local hospital trusts have fared well in a recent survey by a respected healthcare body.

The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead was named large trust of the year in the study by the Dr Foster group, which looks at a range of criteria in its 2010 guide In particular the trust scored well in mortality rates among people with five life-threatening conditions, MRSA infections and had the lowest standardised mortality rate in Britain.

David Sloman, the trust’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted that this award recognises the achievements of the Royal Free over the past year.

“Our stated aim is to be in the top 10 per cent of trusts in England for patient safety, the patient experience and value for taxpayers’ money.

“Our staff have worked hard to offer the best clinical care and pioneering treatments, while improving the patient experience and providing care in a safe and clean environment.”

Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals Trust also fared well in the mortality rate study, scoring 88, below the standardised score of 100.

It was also rated well in obstetric trauma, post-operative respiratory failure and accidental laceration rates.

Medical director Ian Mitchell said: “The safety of our patients is embedded into staff training from the moment they begin working for us.

“Though there is always room for improvement, I am pleased to see that this benchmarking process proves we are on the right tracks.”