AIREDALE has been named one of the country’s 40 top performing hospitals.

It has received the accolade from CHKS, an independent provider of healthcare intelligence and quality improvement.

Results were announced at a ceremony in London.

It is the sixth time Airedale has achieved the honour.

And this year the trust was the only one in West Yorkshire to earn the award, which is based on an evaluation of more than 20 key performance indicators covering safety, clinical effectiveness, health outcomes, efficiency, patient experience and quality of care.

Bridget Fletcher, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be judged one of the top 40 hospitals in the country.

“This success is entirely due to our hard-working, compassionate staff and their commitment to providing safe, high-quality services for our patients.

“The fact we have received this honour six times now is testament to our ability to maintain excellent services year after year.”

The latest award was collected by Denise Todd, the trust’s head of nursing, and consultant histopathologist John O’Dowd.

They were among more than 200 guests, from across the healthcare sector, at the ceremony.

CHKS is part of Capita Healthcare Decisions, whose managing director Andy Lockwood said: “The awards recognise outstanding performance in those areas which we believe are critical to delivering good patient care.

“We are delighted that Airedale is one of our top hospitals.”

Keighley’s Conservative Parliamentary candidate Kris Hopkins congratulated the trust on its achievement.

“I am over the moon that once again Airedale has been officially recognised as one of England’s leading hospitals,” he said.

“The opening of the hospital’s new £6.3 million A&E facility was undoubtedly the highlight of my time representing my hometown seat in the House of Commons.

“I want to congratulate management, medical professionals and the vast array of dedicated staff at Airedale Hospital on their achievement.

“They have all played their part and deserve our heartfelt thanks.”