WELL, what a turnaround. Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust’s hard work and desire to improve has certainly reaped dividends.

After an inspection by the Care Quality Commission in September it was rated “good” overall while its care was rated “outstanding” after being in special measures not too long ago,

This is huge testament to the hard work and commitment of its staff and trust boss Dame Marianne Griffiths.

Dame Marianne took over at the trust, which governs the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Sussex Eye Hospital in April 2017.

“She said: “It is fantastic news and thoroughly deserved.”

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

Of course, the challenge now is to maintain and even improve on the progress already made during Dame Marianne’s relatively short but successful tenure thus far.

That progress was summed up perfectly by Professor Edward Baker, the chief inspector of hospitals, who said: “The trust has made real progress. Two years ago we rated the trust as “inadequate” overall because of concerns relating to patient safety, the organisational culture and governance throughout the trust.

“I congratulate them on what they have achieved. The overall rating of “good” reflects a substantial improvement in the quality of services at the trust and I am happy to recommend that it is removed from special measures.”

For now, though, the trust should reflect on what has been achieved.

It is a remarkable and a quantum leap in the right direction.