HOSPITALS in mid Essex have been named as one of the most improved trusts in the country.

The national inpatient survey findings show the mid Essex trust had an improvement on last year's ratings, which the trust feels is down to a number of patient engagement events, aimed at getting feedback from patients and staff.

The survey, conducted by Picker Europe with the Cqc, showed the trust has improved its performance by a score of 15, which is calculated by taking the number of questions in which the trust has improved its performance and subtracting the number of deteriorated scores.

Cathy Geddes, chief nurse at the trust, said: "I am delighted with this news, as it shows all the patient listening events, and the feedback from our service users and staff, has made an impact on how we listen and respond to patient concerns."

The patient liaison service received over 350 more queries this year compared to 2015, which means patients concerns are resolved before they become a complaint.

Carol Anderson, acting accountable officer at Mid Essex Ccq, said: "This is really encouraging news and I am delighted that patients are seeing improvements in our local healthcare and, more importantly, that their experience reflects this.

“We have been working closely with Mid Essex Hospital Services Trust listening to what our patients are saying, allowing us to build on what we are doing well and address areas in which we can improve."