THE accident and emergency department at Salisbury District Hospital has been rated one of the best in the country in a survey carried out by the Care Quality Commission.

About 850 people who attended A&E in the summer were asked their views on facilities, waiting times, the quality of care and the way they were treated. When compared with most other trusts in the survey, Salisbury District Hospital was better in 32 of the 44 questions asked and about the same in the remaining 12.

Ninety-six per cent of patients said they had confidence in the medical staff treated them, 99 per cent said they were given privacy and 99 per cent said the facilities were clean.

Interim Chief Executive Peter Hill said: “It’s important that our patients have confidence in our staff and that they receive good quality care in a safe and clean environment.

"This is an excellent report and fantastic feedback, which reflects the professionalism of our staff and the quality of care they provide.”