Fewer deaths in hospitals

NHS Lanarkshire has exceeded a nationa l improvement aim to reduce hospital standardised mortality ratios (HSMR) by 20 per cent.

A measurement tool that compares a hospital’s mortality ratio with the overall average ratio, HSMR allows medics to assess factors that can influence mortality.

While a majority of deaths in hospital are classed as being predicted due to the patient’s condition, reducing the length of stay, unplanned readmissions and earlier recognition and treatment of patients whose condition is deteriorating can help.

The figures show that Wishaw General achieved a 22.7 per cent reduction in its HSMR and Hairmyres Hospital 20.7 per cent.

Calum Campbell, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive, said: “Our staff work hard to provide the best quality service to our patients and these figures show that they are doing an excellent job.

“I hope they offer added reassurance to our patients about the safety and quality of the care provided in our hospitals.”