Hospital Chief Lyn Hill-ToutPATIENTS at Great Western Hospital are not being seen quickly enough, new figures reveal.

Only two weeks ago bosses were given a pat on the back from the Department of Health after more than 97 per cent of A&E patients were seen within the Government target time of four hours.

Yet two national surveys published by Healthcare the independent health watchdog paint a different picture.

Just 90 per cent of patients questioned during spot checks last year said they were seen within four hours seven per cent below the Government target.

Last night, bosses admitted that improvements still need to be made to the system.

But they stressed that staff are winning the battle to drive down waiting times and cited the latest DoH figures.

These show that 97.8 per cent of patients are being seen within the target time.

The surveys also showed that 41 per cent of patients reported a wait of less than 15 minutes before they spoke to a doctor or nurse.

Thirty two per cent said they waited more than an hour before they first spoke to a medic.

Lyn Hill-Tout, the chief executive of Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, which is responsible for the hospital, said some positive findings could be taken from the survey results.

"These ratings are encouraging because with a relatively small number of exceptions they show that we are performing well," she said.

"We know there are areas where we must do better but overall these ratings show we are providing a good service for our patients and one we will strive to improve."

Anna Walker, the chief executive of the watchdog, added: "Asking patients what they think about the care and treatment they receive is an important step towards improving the quality of care in the NHS.

"These surveys are also an important tool in ensuring that local services are meeting patients needs and concerns."

Nationally, patients' confidence in doctors and nurses is high.

However, so too are concerns over cleanliness of hospitals in the light of MRSA cases.

The Healthcare Commission's survey involved 140,000 patients who were quizzed about a variety of aspects of their treatment.

Kevin Shoesmith