HEALTH bosses in Burnley were celebrating today after the trust was awarded a top rating in a Government survey.

Burnley Health Care NHS Trust was just one of 48 acute trusts across the country to be given a 3-star performance rating in the National Performance Ratings and Indicators issued today.

The top rating means the trust achieved the majority of the key targets set after last year's review, which included recruiting and retaining more staff and cancelling fewer operations. Last year the trust was given a 2-star rating.

This year the trust scored top marks in relation to treatment of breast cancer with 100 per cent of patients receiving treatment within 31 days of diagnosis. The trust also got top marks for its systems of monitoring and improving health care services and scored well in the prompt discharge of patients after treatment.

David Chew, trust chief executive, said: "There is still much work to be done to modernise services and improve access times, however today's news will be a boost to all our staff as well as opening up access to additional resources to help us meet the requirements of the NHS plan.

"Last year the trust missed out by the narrowest of margins from being awarded 3 stars and this year's performance recognises the hard work and dedication of staff in striving to achieve what is the highest award in the performance ranking system."

Azhar Ali, trust chairman, added: "I am delighted that the dedication and hard work of the staff across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale has resulted in this excellent performance.

"We have come a long way since the turbulent period of the mid 1990s and we are rapidly emerging as a centre of clinical excellence."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "I congratulate Burnley Health Care NHS Trust on their upgrading from a two star to a three star trust. Congratulations to all the staff and all at the trust."