DOCTORS in Bury are trustworthy and treat their patients with respect and dignity, according to a new survey.

Ninety-four per cent of patients agreed their doctor treated them with respect and 80 per cent said they had confidence and trust in them.

The survey, conducted by the Healthcare Commission, randomly selected 850 patients in Bury, inviting them to express their personal views on local health services.

Areas covered included making an appointment to see a GP, contacting the surgery, waiting times while at the surgery, medicines, tests, referrals and health promotion.

More than 60 per cent of Bury patients stated they were involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about their medication with more than 80 per cent adding they had been given enough information about the purpose of their medication.

Almost 80 per cent said they had been seen as soon as they thought was necessary and only had to wait two days or less for an appointment.

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for Bury, said: "I am delighted that most patients are happy with our local community health services. Some patients still have concerns and Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT), working with local staff, will strive to continue to improve our relationship with our patients."

Dental services also did well in the national survey, involving more than 300 PCTs and 117,000 patients, with 60 per cent of Bury patients confirming they were registered with a dentist and more than 80 per cent agreeing they were confident with their dentist and could trust them.