NEARLY 1,000 people are being asked to record their experiences of their stay in Hereford County Hospital.

What they say will help to decide the national star rating given to Hereford Hospitals Trust later this year.

Every hospital in England is expected to be involved in a similar survey as part of a Government promise to let patients and the public have a say in how NHS services are developed.

Already questionnaires have been posted to 850 patients who have stayed in the County Hospital for at least one night. All are being urged to complete and return it.

Patients are asked detailed questions about various aspects, including admissions, tests and treatment, information, communication with doctors and nurses, pain management, hospital environment. medicines and discharge arrangements.

The national survey is being led by the Commission for Health Improvement and carried out locally by the hospital trusts Patient and Liaison Service.

As well as helping to determine star ratings, the surveys will provide feedback from patients which can be used locally to improve services and to provide information for national monitoring of patients' experiences.