The director of a hospital in Harpenden is "delighted" after the location received a national award for patient safety.

Spire Harpenden, on Ambrose Lane, has been named as a National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.

These audits monitored the performance of hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement operations.

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The award received by Spire Harpenden reflects "high quality standards relating to patient safety" and rewards those who have met the NJR's targets.

The award is also designed to "offer hospitals a blueprint" in regard to the safety of its patients.

Six "ambitious targets" must be met, in order for the award to be given.

                                                                                            

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Spire Harpenden met these targets, and was subsequently presented with the certificate.

Julia Salmon, hospital director, said: "Improving patient safety is of the utmost importance and something all staff take very seriously.

"We fully support the National Joint Registry’s work in facilitating improvement in clinical outcomes and governance for the benefit of joint replacement patients and we’re delighted to be awarded as an ‘NJR Quality Data Provider’.

"Spire Harpenden Hospital is proud to support patients from the local community in improving their health and wellbeing.

"Hip and knee replacements have excellent outcomes and without doubt enhance a quality of life for individuals.

"Spire Harpenden remains the largest provider of independent healthcare services in North Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.”

Mr Tim Wilton, medical director at the National Joint Registry, praised the hospital for its work.

He added: "Congratulations to colleagues at Spire Harpenden Hospital.

"The Quality Data Provider Award demonstrates the high standards being met towards ensuring compliance with the NJR and is often a reflection of strong departmental efforts to achieve such status.

"As well as being a fundamental driver to inform improved quality of care for patients, registry data provides an important source of evidence for regulators, such as the Care Quality Commission, to inform their judgements about services.”