HOSPITAL patients say they are treated with dignity and respect and have confidence in nurses, according to a major survey.

Results of the National In-Patient Survey 2009, carried out by the Care Quality Commission, shows that patients’ perceptions of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust have improved considerably since the 2008 survey.

Last year patients told hospital bosses they were underperforming after scoring badly for answering questions regarding patients care and treatment, the wait for beds and arrangements for leaving hospital.

And earlier this year a survey found only half of staff working at the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General hospitals would be happy to have a friend or a relative treated there.

But the 2009 patient survey has given trust bosses a boost.

Patients said they were offered a choice of admission dates, slept in same-sex areas and were able to use single-sex bathrooms and toilets, and were treated with respect and dignity.

They praised their nurses, saying they were confident in their treatment, and that nursing staff did not talk in front of them to other staff or relatives 'as though they were not there'.

The survey did show some areas where patients said their services could be improved. Some patients said they did not feel that hand gels were always available for patients and visitors, while others said they did not always see information about how they could comment on their care.

Deputy Chief Executive Lynn Wissett said: “It is very pleasing that our patients have given us such a strong vote of confidence in this survey.

“We are studying their responses carefully to identify areas where we can make further improvements and give the people of East Lancashire an even better experience when they use our services, including ensuring we communicate better with patients and visitors about the availability of some facilities.”