A health watchdog has given Epsom, Sutton and St Helier Hospitals the lowest possible risk rating.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has placed all 161 hospital trusts in risk bands based on data taking into account death rates, serious errors and patient surveys.

Epsom, Sutton and St Helier Hospitals were given the best rating out of six.

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive Matthew Hopkins said: “We absolutely welcome this new scheme from the CQC.

“We are delighted to be named as one of the trusts to score the lowest possible risk rating, and pleased that this new data reflects out absolute commitment to providing patients with the very best of care.

“This is fantastic news, and I would like to thank our staff and volunteers for their ongoing hard work and commitment.

“However we are not complacent and recognise that we must strive to provide great care to every patient every day.”

Dr James Marsh, joint medical director and renal consultant, said: “As a doctor, it’s always great to hear that our hard work is paying off and our patients are benefiting from safe and compassionate care.

“But this achievement, which is based on our performance across a huge number of standards, is only possible because of the whole team – from the staff working on the wards, to the people who work in our offices.”