PATIENTS in Huddersfield today gave the thumbs-up to health services in the area.

But there were some concerns about delays in appointments with GPs.

The views are in a nationwide survey, out today.

The Commission for Health Improvement, an independent watchdog, carried out a survey of 273,000 patients across England.

It asked people to rate accident and emergency services, outpatient services and primary care trusts.

Nationally, patients reported confidence and trust in health professionals.

But they criticised information given about the side- effects of medicines, risks and benefits of treatment, waiting times for appointments and information about where to get help.

Four hundred people returned questionnaires about the emergency departments at the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

They were quizzed on waiting times, safety, quality of care, information provision, cleanliness and comfort and relationships with staff.

The outpatient departments were also measured.

Diane Whittingham, chief executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, said patients' responses to the survey were positive. Successes were waiting times, clean, comfortable facilities and friendly service.

Primary care trust surveys were sent to a random selection of 850 people in Kirklees and 850 in Calderdale.

The questions were on general health issues, waiting times for appointments and involvement of patients in treatment decisions.

Calderdale Primary Care Trust had 410 responses.

A spokesman said most patients felt GPs, dentists and health workers listened to them, treated them with dignity, explained reasons for treatment and made sure they felt involved in decisions.

But he said patients felt they waited too long for GP appointments. He added: "We are looking at how to resolve this. We have lots to do to ensure patients receive the best possible care."

The Huddersfield Central PCT and South Huddersfield PCT areas saw half the patients return their surveys.

Overall, people were happy with services, but some complained of not having a choice of hospital or specialist.

A spokeswoman for both PCTs said: "We are tackling this issue. Linked to it is the development of GP specialists, so more treatments can be done in the community.

"There is still a lot that can be done to make services and facilities even better."