NEW figures from an independent guide place Ipswich Hospital in the top six in the country for clinical efficiency, it has been revealed.

Dr Foster, an information analyst company independent from the NHS, gave a good rating to the Heath Road hospital for clinical efficiency, mortality rates and access to treatments, in its annual hospital guide.

For example, the use of day case surgery – where patients come in and go home on the day of surgery – is high, while the number of patients who need to be re-admitted after discharge is low.

Hospital medical director Peter Donaldson said: “The results will give our patients confidence that we are running an efficient and safe hospital, and continually striving to make it better.”

Health minister and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Dan Poulter said the report was “good news for Ipswich Hospital”.

He added: “A big focus of the report this year was how the NHS cares for older patients and management of long-term conditions. I am delighted to see Ipswich Hospital was highlighted as a really good example of high quality care for older people.

“This shows with the right leadership and the right senior management, it makes a huge difference in turning around our hospital in a small space of time.”

The report also suggested the need for more scans to be made available at the weekend.