THE majority of patients who had operations at one of North Yorkshire's flagship hospitals were happy with their treatment, according to a survey.

One hundred patients who attended the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, for emergency or planned operations during February were asked to fill in a questionnaire compiled by Hambleton and Richmondshire's health trust.

They were asked about their care and treatment in the operating theatre, the ward, in the reception area, anaesthetic room and in the recovery room after the operation.

Of those who responded, more than 89pc described having an operation 'as a positive experience that could not have been better.'

And all of them felt theatre staff were friendly and courteous and that the patient's privacy, dignity and confidentiality was maintained on the journey to the theatres.

Patients also felt they were well prepared for the operation, and all said they were given an adequate and easily understood explanation about their operation. Patients also responded to a question about the anaesthetic and 94.7pc said they felt they had been adequately prepared.

Patients were also asked how they preferred to travel to the operating theatre.

Only 21.1pc said they experienced any sickness or pain after the operation.

The hospital's theatre manager, Alison Lonsdale, said: "We are very encouraged by the excellent results of the survey and this is a tribute to the consultants who carry out the operations and to the doctors and nurses and theatre staff for their hard work, care and support for patients.

"Though the results were very positive we will not be complacent and are looking at the survey in detail with a view to improving and developing any areas which highlighted room for improvement.

"We will also be striving to maintain the high quality service we provide for our patients at what can be a worrying time for them and when they feel most vulnerable."