PCTs struggle with finances, says CQC.(care quality commission)(United Kingdom. National Health Service. Primary Care Trusts)(Brief article)

Quality is rising but financial management is worsening in PCTs in England, according to Care Quality Commission ratings published last week.

England's 152 PCTs were rated either 'excellent', 'good', 'fair' or 'weak' on these two benchmarks for 2008/9. Fifteen improved on both measures compared with 2007/8, while six worsened on both.

On quality, 2 per cent were 'excellent', down from 6 per cent the year before. But 51 per cent were 'good', almost double the 27 per cent who hit this mark in 2007/8. Some 45 per cent of trusts were rated 'fair', and 3 per cent rated 'weak'.

On financial management, however, no trusts were rated 'excellent'. Some 53 per cent …