A new NHS patient rating system is to be introduced by the Government to help improve nursing care in England. From April 2013 patients will be asked if they would recommend the hospital they were treated in to friends and family – with the results made public. According to the Department of Health, publishing the answers will allow the public to compare healthcare services and clearly identify the best performers in the eyes of patients – and drive others to take steps to raise their standards. The test will be developed with local hospitals and GPs, including any exclusions to the test, like patients in intensive care, while ensuring that the vast majority of wards are covered.