Five health services in Bradford have been hailed as centres of excellence.

The five have been handed NHS beacon status to become models for patient care across the country.

Staff in other parts of the health service will now learn from their example as part of a national drive to improve standards.

Health minister John Denham yesterday announced beacons at:

l Ashwell Medical Centre in Manningham - for its maternity clinic offering comprehensive community-based care before and after birth.

l Windhill Green Medical Centre - for its specialist clinic for people across Shipley with eye problems giving them the quickest and most appropriate care.

l Westcliffe Medical Centre in Shipley - for work managing its own waiting list for non-urgent hospital operations, enabling patients in greatest need to be given highest priority.

l The Ridge Medical Practice in Great Horton - for its clinic which gives patients, who need only a short time with a doctor, rapid access to GPs and so minimising waiting times.

l The home treatment service run by Bradford Community Health NHS Trust in Odsal and Great Horton which enables people with mental health problems to be treated at home rather than in hospital.

Each organisation will share their work with others across the country offering open days, providing mentoring and giving details of their work on the NHS website.

GP Dr Judith Danby who is part of the team - which also includes midwives, a consultant obstetrician, ultrasoundographers and bilingual support staff at Ashwell Medical Centre - said the award was a real boost.

Women were offered seamless care by familiar staff in one place bringing services traditionally provided in hospital into the community.

"Familiarity and continuity of care are a very important aspect of care for all," she said.

"It's a fantastic initiative by the Government in recognising good practice and I think it will be very useful for other practices to be aware of what we are doing and the success of our integration programme."

l Other beacon awards in the area have been made to the drug and alcohol dependence clinic at the Cleckheaton Health Centre and Dyneley House Surgery in Skipton for prescription work.

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