MASSIVE debts and 12-hour trolley waits have left one of the region's biggest hospitals without any stars in the Government's performance league.

For the second year running, Bath's Royal United Hospital has been left squandering with a zero rating.

Despite meeting vital clinical targets, its £26m debts have been largely to blame for another disappointing year, which has seen 12-hour trolley waits in accident and emergency and problems with the spread of infections.

Jenny Barker, acting chief executive at the RUH, said: "Whilst this is no surprise it is still disappointing news, especially for all our staff who have been working hard and have achieved some real improvements, particularly in reducing long waiting lists.

"We do not underestimate the knock-on effects of our financial difficulties and recognise that in order to move forward we must work closely with our local health partners and the health authority to tackle them together."

The crisis-hit hospital achieved just four of the nine key targets an improvement on the two targets it achieved a year ago.

Chairman Mike Roy said: "We have restored financial control, we are making savings and we are working closely with our partners and the health authority to deliver a real recovery plan."

Positive points highlighted in the Commission for Health Improvement's report included good hospital cleanliness, no operations cancelled within 28 days of surgery and good food. It has also improved its mortality rates and is now one of the six safest hospitals in the country.