PATIENTS have given Southend Hospital the thumbs up and claim they would recommend it.

The hospital has fared well in results published as part of the Friends and Family survey.

The hospital achieved a score of 79 out of 100 for its inpatient care, which asked patients, “How likely are you to recommend our ward/A&E department to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?”

In June, the hospital scored 79, in May 78 and April 75, higher than the average result for other hospitals in England.

Its Accident and Emergency department scored less well at 60, but still higher than the average of 54.

In the previous two months, A&E scored 41.

In contrast Basildon Hospital’s A&E department received minus 42 out of 100 in the April results.

Sue Hardy, chief nurse at Southend, said: “The Friends and Family test is an important mechanism for us to gain fast patient feedbacks. We were part of the regional pilot for the inpatient Friends and Family test last year and our inpatient scores have remained largely consistent.

“It is pleasing to see the majority of our patients would recommend Southend Hospital to their loved ones, but what has been of particular use is the narrative feedback, which has enabled us to gain a more immediate insight and make swifter improvements where necessary.

“We are pleased to see our A&E scores have really improved in the past month.”