EMERGENCY services at Princess Alexandra Hospital have been rated as some of the worst in the country.

For overall care, patients scored it in the bottom 20 per cent of worst-performers of 151 hospital trusts nationwide in a survey by the Healthcare Commission.

The report is based on answers from people who visited the hospital's A&E department between January and March last year.

Doctors and nurses were criticised for not discussing anxieties over conditions or treatment with them, and a lack of attentiveness from staff was highlighted.

There were also concerns over the speed that pain relief was administered, and over a lack of advice from staff on medication and recovery after discharge.

The Harlow-based hospital was, however, ranked among the best for explaining test results, and for the overall performance of the ambulance service.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “What these findings show is a reflection of what we already know: that patients are satisfied with the quality of care, but have some issues around the environment which is cramped and busy.

“The department itself is old and we have spent about £1million to upgrade it and so that it has more space and more capacity - particularly in waiting areas - so that it is more comfortable for our patients.”

Commenting on the report, Anna Walker, chief executive of the Healthcare Commission, said: "This is important feedback that trusts should listen to. We hope all trusts will compare their results with other to act and ensure they match the best."