15 November 2011

Barts and The London NHS Trust has the second-lowest rate of patient deaths across the whole of England it’s been officially announced

The impressive result was published by the NHS Information Centre as part of its new system of recording mortality rates.

The measure – known as the summary hospital-level mortality indicator (SHMI) - is a significant indicator of patient safety and replaces the old Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratio (HSMR).

The SHMI is said to offer a more comprehensive picture than before, by including more causes of death as well as deaths among patients who have recently left hospital.

Barts and the London NHS Trust Medical Director, Dr Steve Ryan, said he was delighted with the Trust’s rating. 

He added:  “Clinical care is at the heart of everything we do and this result reflects the very high standard of treatment our patients have the right to expect.

“Staff at Barts, the Royal London, London Chest and Mile End hospitals have made this result happen and it clearly shows their dedication and commitment.”

The SHMI results will now be published each quarter by the NHS Information Centre for all non-specialist acute trusts.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:  “"This new measure will help ensure patient safety by acting like a smoke alarm to prompt further investigation.

“Alongside other data, this will help the NHS in future to spot and act on poor care as soon as possible.”

ENDS

SHMI is the new hospital-level indicator which uses standard and transparent methodology for reporting mortality at hospital level across the NHS in England. The SHMI monitors all patient deaths including those occurring 30 days post-discharge from hospital. Visit http://www.ic.nhs.uk/services/summary-hospital-level-mortality-indicator-shmi for more information.

Barts and The London NHS Trust

 Barts and The London is one of Britain's top teaching hospital trusts.  Our mission is literally to bring excellence to life - to give patients the best possible care so that they can live better, fuller, longer lives. Our world-renowned hospitals - St Bartholomew's (Barts) in the City, The Royal London in Whitechapel and The London Chest in Bethnal Green - have made and continue to make an outstanding contribution to modern medicine. Read more about our full portfolio of services at www.bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk