HEALTH services in Bromsgrove are generally meeting the needs and expectations of patients, a new report has revealed.

An independent survey of 850 patients carried out in the spring as part of a nationwide survey shows that 75 per cent of patients in Bromsgrove and Redditch had confidence and trust in the doctor they saw.

And 94 per cent claim the doctor they saw always treated them with dignity and respect.

Of those prescribed new medication in the past year, 61 per cent said they were definitely involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about their medication and 85 per cent said they were given sufficient information about the purpose of the medication.

However, 18 per cent reported not being warned about potential side effects, while 73 per cent said they were definitely involved in decisions about their health care and treatment.

Regarding access to a GP, 76 per cent reported being seen as soon as they thought it was necessary. This is compared to 62 per cent in 2004. While 73 per cent of patients claimed they had a wait of two days or less for an appointment.

As for dental services, the survey revealed that 63 per cent were registered with an NHS dentist. Of those not registered, 71 per cent said they would like to be, 80 per cent were said to have confidence and trust in their dentist, while 70 per cent felt they were involved in decisions about their dental care and treatment.

Neil Bucktin, director of primary care for the Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust - the body responsible for GP and dentist services locally - said: "We are pleased with the results of this survey. We carry it out annually and generally the response is good. People are pleased with the care they receive from their local doctor and dentist," he added.

A total of 117,000 patients took part in the survey from 303 primary care trusts commissioned by the Government body the Healthcare Commission.