It also shows they are given respect and dignity, and are able to trust their GP and health services.

The results are part of work done by East Riding Primary Care Trust this year and published by the health watchdog, the Healthcare Commission.
Claire Wood, interim chief executive, said: “The local health services survey is a credit to the GPs within the East Riding of Yorkshire who work very hard to attain the high standards of care demonstrated by this year’s results.

“The information received from the survey will help us to plan further improvements to the way services are delivered locally.”

Of the 850 patients in the East Riding chosen to take part, 51 per cent completed and returned the questionnaire.

The feedback suggested half of the patients were seen by a doctor on the same day the appointment was booked, nearly all spent less than 30 minutes in the waiting room and most had confidence in the doctor they spoke with.

However, there were some areas that some patients felt needed improving, including the choice of hospital for treatment and increasing the support and information for people with long-term conditions.