PATIENTS accessing mental health services in the borough are generally satisfied with their care but gave local services lower marks than those in other parts of the country.

The survey of 205 patients by health regulator the Care Quality Commission, showed that patients surveyed gave scores which were five out of ten and higher.

But the results came out lower down the scale in comparison to respondents in other areas.

Of 48 questions asked as part of the survey, 14 fell in the worst 20 per cent of trusts and 16 fell in the average 60 per cent of trusts. Only four fell in the best 20 per cent of trusts.

The remaining two fell on the borderline between the different categories.

The survey showed people were least satisfied with out of hours telephone access – giving a score of 57 out of 100.

However, patients were most satisfied with health and social care workers, giving them 88 out of 100 for treating them with dignity and respect.

When asked if how patients rated the care they received overall from East London NHS Foundation Trust over the past year, respondents gave it 67 out of 100.

John Wilkins, deputy chief executive for East London NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our staff have focused on ensuring that service users know who they can contact in a crisis. I am pleased to see that we scored highly in this area and that the service users surveyed reported that they got the help they need.”

The survey was a result of people questioned who accessed the trust’s care between July and September last year who had been referred to a psychiatric outpatient clinic, local community mental health team or other community-based service.

Mr Wilkins added that the trust had implemented an action plan to address the areas where it scored lower than the national average.”

Cynthia Bower, CQC chief executive, said the survey showed some positive messages from service users.

“Theirs is no easy job so these results are a tribute to them,” she said.