UHS is the first trust in the region to achieve the highest national ranking for safety and management of clinical risks.
The NHS Litigation Authority, which handles negligence claims and works to improve risk management in the NHS, rated the Trust’s performance against standards including governance, safety and clinical care at level three, with a score of 49 out of 50.
The assessment score – the highest for acute hospitals – has only been met by 27 of 168 trusts in the country and means the Trust will pay a lower annual NHSLA insurance premium to cover legal costs, saving £600,000.
Judy Gillow, director of nursing, said: “This is an excellent achievement and demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our staff to ensure we provide the highest levels of safety for patients, visitors and colleagues.”