NHS to survey 120,000 children

Over 120,000 young people and their parents are to be asked for their views on the NHS.

The survey - the largest of its kind in England - will help inform this year's hospital star ratings.

The Commission for Health Improvement, which is carrying out the survey, said it will ask children who have recently been treated by the NHS to take part.

They will be asked for their views on the cleanliness and comfort of wards and the information they received.

Star ratings

The commission was recently given responsibility for compiling the NHS star ratings.

Under the scheme, hospitals across England are given hotel-style stars. Top-rated trusts receive three stars while the worst-performing get none.

The ratings are important. Those with three stars can apply for more freedom from government control by becoming foundation trusts.

Those with zero stars face having a new management team sent in unless they can turn things around.

The ratings are calculated on the basis of how well trusts do against a set number of targets, such as waiting times and hospital cleanliness.

Source : BBC News | More Information