A Norfolk hospital placed in special measures has turned around its staffing crisis.

It comes as a survey of patients from two villages in the Fens showed more than half gave the A&E department a rating of 8/10 or above.

Lack of nurses was one of the main concerns when watchdogs told the Queen Elizabeth Hospital it had to improve.

But a new report by Monitor - the body which oversees foundation hospital trusts - says that staffing levels have improved.

Wards now meet the recommended level of a nurse to every eight patients by day, and a nurse to every 11 patients at night.

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss, who carried out the survey, said: 'I am greatly encouraged by both the findings in my survey and the report published this week by the Department of Health.

'The Monitor report indicates that there is now 100pc nursing compliance at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but I want to be reassured that the other actions as highlighted in August and October last year, particularly in relation to the management of medicines, are on track to be achieved.

'This is something I will be discussing with the leadership team and staff when I visit the QE in April.

'My own survey indicated an overall positive impression of health services in the area, but I am keen to ensure that the turn around in ambulance response times is being achieved.

'I will be joining an East of England ambulance crew in the summer to see the new changes at work.'

Ms Truss said her survey addressed the concerns raised about poor ambulance response times across the eastern region. There are particular problems in parts of the Fens.

Ms Truss said she surveyed residents in the Outwell and Upwell areas, because she was particularly keen to obtain feedback from people living in rural communities.

The QEH trust was placed into special measures in October 2013 when inspectors found unacceptable staffing levels and a lack of training in dementia care.