The leading hospital for heart and lung conditions in the UK, Papworth earned the high scores through voting from patients.

The Healthcare Commission, the independent health watchdog in England, published the results this week, following a survey of nearly 76,000 inpatients nationwide.

Papworth's scores were particularly high for meeting privacy and dignity needs of patients, involving patients in decisions about their care, cleanliness, choice of food and ensuring patients are offered help with meals when this is required.

In the overall quality of care category, Papworth's score is in the top three performing hospitals in the country. The survey reviewed 165 acute and specialist NHS Trusts.

Director of nursing Claire Tripp, said: "We are absolutely thrilled. Papworth scored well in just about all areas.

"It is a tribute to staff and patients to keep these standards so high. It is feedback that all our staff can be proud of. However, we are always looking at areas we can improve and deliver even greater patient focused care.

"We constantly review the feedback we receive and revise our practices accordingly. This survey shows we are on the right track."