NHS top brass have given the thumbs up to neonatal services at the Royal Hampshire Cou-nty Hospital in Winchester.

David Nicholson, NHS chief executive and Chris Beasley, chief nurse, visited the hospital as part of a fact-finding mission on neonatal services.

They were particularly interested to hear how the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust's neonatal unit performs well above others in the country on a range of quality indicators.

Clinical outcomes, mortality rates, staff turnover and efficiency were all areas where the service excelled.

Mr Nicholson and Mrs Beasley met mothers and new babies in the maternity unit before visiting the neonatal unit, which has 16 cots (two intensive care, two high dependency and 12 special care).

They discussed a wide range of issues with staff, including training, funding and recruitment.

Following a presentation from leading clinicians, David Nicholson said: "What really came across in our visit today was how committed all the staff were to providing an excellent level of service to the patients who use the Royal Hampshire."

Chris Beasley added: "It was great to have the opportunity to meet some of the mums and dads who've recently used services here at Winchester, and to see the real emphasis the staff put on providing great care for this community."