Rochdale Infirmary rated

Rochdale Infirmary

A new online service which allows patients to rate and compare hospitals has prompted more than 15 responses about the Rochdale Infirmary so far this week.

The move, announced by Health Secretary Andy Burnham, gives people the opportunity to give details of their experiences, both good and bad, for other people to read.

Prospective patients will be able to check on issues such as cleanliness, car parking and waiting times, and also check mortality rates and the prevalence of superbugs such as MRSA and clostridium difficile.

The facility, on www.nhs.uk, works in a similar way to internet comparison websites, helping patients compare hospitals so they can make an informed choice.

They will be able to look at a general scorecard, which compares different hospitals, or look in more detail at specific treatments and procedures within those hospitals.

Rochdale Infirmary has already attracted mixed reports.

A total of 11 from the 22 people who have made comments said they would recommend the hospital to a friend, but three said they would not.

Many comments gave glowing reports of both the infirmary's accident and emergency department and the helpful staff, although there were some criticisms.

Some described staff as kind, helpful, friendly, great, or respectful, and said wards were very peaceful and quiet.

One patient said it was the best hospital in the country, while another said everything about the infirmary could be improved. Complaints included lengthy waiting times, dirty wards and a lack of help from staff.

Hospital bosses are being encouraged to give feedback on the comments, and a number did have a response from hospital managers.