Eye units rewarded by Charter Mark

The Sunderland Eye Infirmary, part of City Hospitals Sunderland, also achieved a Charter Mark in the list of winners announced by Frank Dobson, Secretary of State for Health this week. 'These Charter Marks show the commitment of NHS staff at all levels to top quality care to make patients better,' he said. 'It is only because of initiatives by such dedicated staff that the NHS keeps improving.' One of a handful of eye units to receive the Charter Mark since the scheme was set up in 1992, the Bolton unit claims to be the first in the UK to introduce the use of self-administered pain-relieving gas to help ease discomfort during laser treatment. Carol Bernstein, senior nurse/ business manager of the eye unit, said: 'We strongly believe in putting our patients first and listening to what they say, which is what a Charter Mark is all about. 'However, we're not complacent as we know there is always room for improvement, and we will continue to monitor our service.'