HOSPITALS in East Lancashire are among the best for caring for youngsters, its patients and their families said.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust performed “better than expected” in nine key areas and was “equal” to other hospitals in 15 others.

Health boss Kevin McGee congratulated his staff after the results of the first ever Children and Young People’s Inpatient survey were revealed almost a year after the trust was taken out of special measures.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted the survey, which asked over 18,000 youngsters aged 15 or younger, who had been treated nationally between July and August last year, 24 questions.

Mr McGee, chief executive at the trust, said: “I want to congratulate all staff involved in the treatment and care of children and young people on the excellent survey results which are testament to our aim of providing safe, personal and effective care for patients of all ages.

“We are particularly happy to read that almost every child taking part in the survey said they were happy with their care and had confidence that hospital staff did everything they could to manage their pain.”

The Trust was rated “better than expected” in communicating with children and parents about their child’s hospital stay, keeping parents/carers informed and providing advice about caring for children after discharge.

It was also given a rating of 9.9 out of 10 for keeping children under seven safe.

Mr McGee said: “The survey results are highly encouraging for the Trust with 96 per cent of families saying they have confidence in the doctors and nurses who treat their children at East Lancashire Hospitals.”

Chairman of the East Lancashire Patient Voices group, Russ McLean, said: “This is very good news, particularly when you consider the views of young people are very seldom heard..

“I really do think the trust is turning a corner. Having said that, with the current state of economics in Britain, I think there will be more cuts made and I’m very fearful for the NHS in general.”