A hospital has been recognised for its patient care at a national awards ceremony.
Circle Reading Hospital, part of the Circle Health Group, scooped the prestigious Laing Buisson award for best private hospitals nationally at the event on November 21.
The hospital, which has 30 beds, was praised for the way it supported staff and patient outcomes.
The award presented to the hospital's owners specifically recognised the contribution Circle Reading Hospital makes to the overall success of the organisation.
The Laing Buisson awards are held annually and seek out a private hospital group that excels in the delivery of care for patients.
Judges this year noted that Circle Reading Hospital and Circle Health Group 'showcased an excellent growth story' and 'achieved market-leading outcomes that significantly improves patient access and affordability.'
This is the second time in four years that Circle Reading Hospital has been recognised as one of the UK's leading hospitals.
In 2023, Circle Reading Hospital's owners, Circle Health Group's Patient Report Outcome Measures (PROMS) were the highest in the independent sector for the knee surgery category and well above the national average in hip surgery.
PROMS are recognised as the gold standard for determining the clinical effectiveness of a hospital's treatments and services.
Moreover, Circle Reading Hospital had the lowest levels of infections and unplanned transfers of care on record.
The award also considered how the hospital supported its workforce.
As one of the largest employers in Reading, in 2023 they were involved in the launch of the independent sector's first university programme in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University to offer staff a range of professional development courses sponsored by Circle Health Group.
Additionally, Circle Reading Hospital made use of the national apprenticeship levy to support staff, offering them more than 30 unique courses from nursing to administration and finance.
The national average of apprenticeship levy utilisation is between 40 and 50 per cent, with only five per cent of staff on apprenticeship pathways.
Circle Health Group and Circle Reading Hospital successfully used between 95 and 100 per cent of the levy in 2023.
Paolo Pieri, CEO of Circle Health Group, said: "I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the staff and doctors at Circle Reading Hospital.
"2023 was an incredibly successful year for Circle Health Group and to be named again as Hospital Group of the Year for the second time is a testament to the difference Circle Reading Hospital has on the quality of care to patients."
The hospital was also cited for its contribution to the overall success of the organisation.
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