NHS League Tables 2025 | What They Mean for Patients and Care Standards

The New NHS League Tables: What Do They Mean and Do They Matter?

The Government has published new league tables ranking NHS Trusts from best to worst. Separate tables cover acute trusts, non-acute trusts, and ambulance trusts.

According to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the tables are intended to “inform the public and let them exercise choice.” They will be updated every three months, with hospitals re-ranked based on performance. Lower-ranked trusts are expected to receive additional support, while top-ranked trusts may gain greater autonomy over spending.

On the surface, this sounds positive, but what does it actually mean for patients, their experience, and standard of care and treatment?

How Are NHS Trusts Ranked?

The performance of the 134 acute hospital trusts is based on a range of factors, including:

• Waiting times for surgery
• Time spent in A&E
• Cancer services
• Financial management

The Top Three Acute Trusts

• Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
• The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

The Bottom Three Acute Trusts

• University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
• Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust

Negligence Can Happen Anywhere

It is important to remember that negligent medical mistakes can occur at any NHS Trust, regardless of ranking.

Our specialist solicitors have acted in claims involving trusts across all tiers of the league table. Currently, we are advising on a number of claims against some of the lowest-ranked trusts, including:

• Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
• United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
• Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
• Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Recent NHS Scandals and Anomalies

Several well-publicised scandals in recent years have raised serious concerns about patient safety and standards of care. These include:

• East Kent University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ranked 101st)
• Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust (113th)
• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (100th)
• Sussex Partnership NHS Trust (117th)
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (96th)
• Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (17th)
• Southend Hospital, Essex (123rd)

One striking anomaly is Yeovil Maternity Unit, part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust ranked 20th out of 134. The Unit was closed temporarily in May 2025 due to high staff sickness linked to a lack of support, toxic working culture, and bullying by management, and isn’t due to re-open until November 2025.

Do League Tables Really Affect Patient Choice?

While the aim of league tables is to help patients make informed choices, the reality is often different.

For many people, treatment close to home remains the only realistic option, regardless of how their local trust is ranked. Practical issues such as travel time, cost, and geographical catchment areas make switching trusts unrealistic for most patients.

Expert Commentary

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, noted:

He stressed that the tables should support learning and improvement, rather than unfairly penalise or mislead.

How We Can Help

At Phoenix Legal, we understand how devastating negligent medical care can be. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to substandard treatment at an NHS Trust, whether highly ranked or otherwise, we are here to help.

We offer no win, no fee representation and can advise you on whether you may have a claim.

Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your case.

0151 306 3694 Online enquiry

To learn more about medical and clinical negligence claims, visit our medical negligence service page.

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