ST Margaret's Hospital in Epping provides an excellent environment for patients, according to a national body.

The hospital in The Plain was one of only 16 out of 142 in the east of England given the accolade for the quality of its food, environment, privacy and patient dignity by the National Patient Safety Agency.

Phil Wing, the lead nurse for the West Essex Community Health Services, which runs the hospital, said: “This demonstrates the ongoing commitment of all our staff to maintain the highest standards for our patients.”