PATIENTS have given the thumbs up to health services provided by Easington Primary Care Trust.

In a survey carried out in all NHS Trusts in England, more than 300,000 patients were asked about their experiences.

Overall, 36 questions were considered in the survey, in 29 of these Easington patients' responses put the PCT in the best 20 per cent.

Patients indicated that their experience in relation to making appointments, visiting the surgery, information about their medication and test results and dental care were good.

The area of healthcare experience which patients indicated could be improved was their relationship with their doctor.

Patients want longer to discuss their health with their GP as well as having a greater involvement in decisions about their care.

The PCT's executive committee has already agreed to establish a task group to take forward the areas patients say need improving.

Anna Lynch, Director of Public Health and Health Development at Easington, said: "The PCT is absolutely committed to working with patients to improve their experiences of health service locally.

"The task group will include local patients in its membership. The patient survey is an important benchmark for the PCT and enables us to measure improvements in the experiences of patients over time.''

The patient survey is carried out by the Healthcare Commission, which exists to promote improvement in the quality of the NHS and independent healthcare.

It sees asking patients what they think about the NHS is a vital step to encouraging hospitals and other health services to meet the needs of patients.