York Hospital has won high praise from the national watchdog body that recently raised concerns about the way pensioners are treated in English hospitals.

When the Care Quality Commission’s (CGC) inspection team visited York Hospital as part of its NHS-wide investigation into elderly peoples’ experiences in medical centres, members were delighted by what they saw.

Patients told the inspectors staff members were “exceptionally good”, “very polite”, always asked if they could assist and explained what was going on.

The majority of patients said they were satisfied with the care and treatment they received at York, and had been treated with courtesy and respect with their privacy and dignity well protected.

Libby McManus, chief nurse at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is important that our patients feel safe and cared for, and I am delighted that the report highlights the good things that happen for patients every day here at York.

“This takes care, hard work and attention to important details and is something which staff, especially our nurses, have worked hard to achieve.

“We never rest on our laurels and want to ensure that this type of care is experienced by all of our patients.

“One area we are changing as a result of reflecting on our own practice is to ensure even better availability of hand cleansing for patients, pre and post meals.”

The inspection found that York Hospital was reaching its “essential standards of quality and safety” relating to how well older people were treated. The inspectors, including a nurse and an “expert by experience” – a person who has experience using medical services– spoke to patients and hospital staff.

The report said the hospital gave “high priority” to making sure staff benefited from a good diet.

“Staff paid attention to making sure meals were appetising and that individual nutritional risks and personal preferences were addressed. People who required assistance received the level of support they required,” the report said.