Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust achieved zero stars
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Star ratings given to health trusts in Kent indicate how services differ for people across the county.
For the second year in a row, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust was not granted any stars.
While the neighbouring Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust achieved the maximum three stars in the ratings compiled by the Healthcare Commission.
The ratings, first published in 2001, assess trusts on nine targets including cleanliness and A&E waiting times.
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Trust ratings 2004 - 2003
Maidstone & Tun Wells 0 - 0
Medway 2 - 1
East Kent 2 - 1
Dartford & Gravesham 3 - 3
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The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells trust was found to significantly underachieve in waiting times and financial management.
But despite the zero star ratings, chief executive of the Trust, Rose Gibb, said the organisation was performing better than a year ago.
She said: "I want to reassure patients that we are a better performing trust now than our star rating would suggest.
"The trust's zero rating is based on last year's performance, which we have now surpassed, and our aim is to keep building on our improvements."
'Standards improved'
Two other trusts in Kent - East Kent and Medway - were awarded an extra star to take their rating to two.
Each acute or specialist trust is given a rating of zero to three stars.
Ambulance trusts and mental health trusts are also given star ratings.
This year Kent Ambulance NHS Trust was given a one star rating for the second year in a row.
The organisation was found to respond to 74% of 999 calls in eight minutes - not meeting the target of 75%.
Chief executive of the trust, Hayden Newton, said the trust was disappointed but standards had improved year on year.
Of the two mental health trusts in Kent - the East Kent NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust was given two stars - one more than last year.
While the West Kent NHS Social Care Trust lost a star to be awarded one.
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