Patient Opinion is a social enterprise set up by a Yorkshire GP to allow people to register their complaints and compliments about local hospitals and also rate services.

More than 70 patients who have been treated at Mexborough Montagu have entered feedback and it is overwhelmingly positive.

Standards of medical and nursing care have been given a maximum five-star rating while patients, who also give the hospital top marks when asked if they had been treated with respect and dignity.

The remaining four areas of care - cleanliness, parking, punctuality of treatment and whether patients are involved in decision-making - have all been rated four-star services.

One user of the site, 'Hiker961', wrote: "I was a patient on the day ward at the Montagu hospital for the treatment of a hernia. During my time on the ward, I found the service there to be very good in all respects. The standard of medical care was top quality, as was that provided by the nursing staff. I was most pleased to be treated, at all times, with the utmost care and consideration."

Another patient wrote: "On my outpatients appointment I left my scarf and they kindly posted it back to me - that's what I call caring staff. Thank you to all concerned."

Sheffield-based family doctor Paul Hodgkin came up with the idea of Patient Opinion while logged on to auctions website eBay, as he looked at the way users rated each other in terms of trustworthiness. He wondered if the same principle could be applied to site about the NHS. Some of the feedback has been acted upon.

A spokeswoman for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said managers were "delighted" that patient comments were so positive.

She said: "DRI and Mexborough Montagu Hospital have each received an average of four stars out of five. Positive comments for both hospitals noted the supportive, sensitive and caring manner of hospital staff. Friendly and helpful receptionists and nurses made a good impression on patients, and many of the website's contributors praised the timeliness of staff and the punctual running of clinics.

"Importantly, points of good practice include hospital cleanliness and medical care, and many patients have used the website to extend their praise and gratitude to a specific ward, consultant or medical team."

The trust intends to monitor the website to help it identify problem areas and take action to improve services and boost patient satisfaction.

To read patients' views or register a complaint or compliment on Patient Opinion, log on to www.patientopinion.org.uk