Patients at Northumbria Healthcare have championed their experience as the best in the country.

Northumbria scored above the national average in all eight evaluated areas in the latest Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment survey.

The trust oversees hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside, ranking the highest nationally in food and cleanliness categories for large acute trust.

In the same segment, it also topped for dementia and privacy, dignity, and wellbeing.

There was a significant improvement in several areas in 2023 compared to 2022, particularly a 5.8 per cent rise in ward food.

Chief executive Birju Bartoli said: "Our staff work incredibly hard to ensure that patients get the care and service they deserve when they are with us.

"It’s incredibly reassuring to see that despite the current pressures being faced, our staff have continued to focus on the needs of our patients and delivered excellent standards of care."

Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, the trust’s estates and facilities subsidiary, said: "It’s brilliant to see such positive results and improvements in areas.

"We’d like to say a huge well done to all of our teams who are dedicated to providing the best care for our patients."