A LEADING health body has revealed a huge improvement in patient satisfaction at Northern Lincolnshire hospitals.

The organisation's 2009 Outpatient Department Survey, shows Northern Lincolnshire and Goole hospitals were in the top 20 per cent in the UK for satisfaction over hospital cleanliness.

The survey was the first carried out since 2004 and shows the region's hospital trust improved in 30 of the 39 areas highlighted.

Simon Rigg, "We are very pleased that overall patients have shown a rise in satisfaction generally with our waiting times – this is an area we have concentrated on in recent years to reduce the amount of time people wait for all appointments with ourselves.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals saw an eight per cent rise in patient satisfaction with waiting times, and explanations from staff on how to take new medications.

Patients across all 163 hospital trusts in England were asked to grade each element of hospital care out of five, with the scores combined to provide the trust with a mark out of 100.

Carole Phillips, chief executive of Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire, said: "We're very pleased with the results of this survey and have seen this satisfaction reflected in feedback from our members.

"Following an inspection we carried out last year we are very happy with the overall hygiene at Scunthorpe General and that proper measures are beingtaken to make sure that continues.

For the full story buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.