PATIENT satisfaction with primary care services in South Worcester-shire is 'OK' according to recent research.

The ratings were calculated by Dr Foster - an independent organisation that provides information about the quality and availability of health services. This is calculated on the basis of responses to a selection of questions posed in the Healthcare Commission's 2004 survey of care.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust received a score of 0.54963, based on ratings of patient experience from good to poor (with 0 as average) - putting it 102nd in a list of 254 trusts.

The neighbouring county of Herefordshire PCT came fifth in the country with a 'good' score.

The scores ranged from more than 1.9 for South West Dorset PCT to minus 3.66 for Bradford City.

When the figures were translated into categories of good, OK and weak, South Worcestershire PCT fared 'OK'.

It also fared 'OK' for equity which evaluates the rates of hip operations and surgery for the poorest 60 per cent of the population.

But it got a 'weak' scoring for clinical equity - the standardised mortality rates for hospital treatment.

Herefordshire PCT scored 'OK' in equity and clinical equity, while Wyre Forest PCT scored 'OK' for patient experience and 'weak' in the other two categories.

Primary Care Trusts manage community health services and GPs.