England's 152 PCTs were rated either 'excellent', 'good', 'fair' or 'weak' on these two benchmarks for 2008/9. Fifteen improved on both measures compared with 2007/8, while six worsened on both.
On quality, 2 per cent were 'excellent', down from 6 per cent the year before. But 51 per cent were 'good', almost double the 27 per cent who hit this mark in 2007/8. Some 45 per cent of trusts were rated 'fair', and 3 per cent rated 'weak'.
On financial management, however, no trusts were rated 'excellent'. Some 53 per cent rated 'good', and only 1 per cent were 'weak'.
The CQC pointed out that the 2008/9 methodology is tougher and said year-on-year comparisons were unreliable.
PCTs were ranked against a total of 37 performance indica-tors. On access to primary care, all of the 14 PCTs in the South West achieved the overall indicator while none of London's 31 PCTs did.
PCT finances
- No PCTs were rated 'excellent' on financial management.
- 53 per cent were 'good'.
- 46 per cent were 'fair'.
- 1 per cent were 'weak'.
Source: Care Quality Commission
