Patients' views sought

The 850 patients being sent the survey are a random sample

The views of more than 800 people who have been treated at the Royal Cornwall Hospital are being sought to help with a survey.

In-patients who were treated in September are being asked for their opinions on the care they received.

The 850 patients being sent the survey are a random sample of the 5,000 people who were admitted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske during September 2003.

They are being asked to take part in the fourth compulsory National Patients Survey, which is organised by the Commission for Health Improvement.

Chest infections

The survey requests their views on the care they received, the hospital environment, cleaning and catering.

They are also being questioned about how much information they were given about their treatment and follow-up care.

Meanwhile, doctors are continuing to monitor the number of emergency admissions to the hospital.

In the last week, there have been 900 emergency admissions, routine operations have been cancelled and GPs are being urged to restrict the number of patients being sent to Treliske.

Doctors say an acute chest infection has taken its toll across the county. The hospital says people are being warned when given operation times that procedures may be postponed.

Paula Friend, the hospital's director of delivery and modernisation, said: "There is the potential for cancellation if the hospital has an increase in emergency admission."