Eastleigh has again been named as one of the top 40 areas in the country for healthcare.

The good news came out of a study undertaken by an international firm of consultants which provides comparative information to hospitals.

The study analysed 15 areas of performance, such as mortality rates, waiting times and post operative complications.

Since a number of NHS Trusts had improved their performances, the success of Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust is even more remarkable, 2003 being the third successive year that it has made it into the top 40.

Peter Knight, head of international management and technology, received the award on behalf of the trust at a ceremony held in Birmingham.

He said: "We're pleased to be one of the 21 hospitals that have made it into the top 40 for three years' running. It reflects the hard work our staff continue to put in."