THE trust which runs Andover and Winch-ester hospitals narrowly missed out on a better performing' grade for its maternity service - but things are improving.

The Healthcare Comm-ission review gave Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust an overall assessment mark of 2.931, meaning it fell into the fair performing' category by just 0.079.

Janie Pearman, head of midwifery, said: "We know that we are on course to a higher rating next time. The Healthcare Comm-ission rating is already quite historic - it refers to 2006. The department has gone from strength-to-strength since and is now well within the better performing' category.

"However, why stop at better' - we're aiming for best '.

"It was great to get top marks for our continuity of antenatal care.

"We have a very stable workforce with lower than average turnover and this means that women can build a good relationship with their midwife.

"Choice in antenatal care was also included in the five out of five score.

"Choice in labour also did well, being marked four out of five.

"The same mark was given for women who felt their length of stay was about right."

"It's also great to see a good score for safety and cleanliness.

"This isn't a surprise to me at all because this is a priority for us."

She added: "On the areas where we did less well, action has already been taken, so if the same survey was done today, the result would be much better."

Salisbury District Hospital maternity service was given a better performing' rating; Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust - also better performing'; and Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust - fair performing'.