The best rated NHS and private hospitals for care in Liverpool and Merseyside

The best hospitals in Merseyside - as well as the whole of the UK - have been listed by the Telegraph, based on key factors such as CQC ratings, how long you can expect to wait for treatment and overall patient satisfaction scores (where available).

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent body responsible for regulating and inspecting health and social care providers across England. The system, similar to Ofsted for schools and education providers, sees hospitals handed ratings, ranging from the lowest mark of 'inadequate' to the gold-standard, 'outstanding'.

Currently, 55.3% of NHS hospitals across the country are graded as 'good' or 'outstanding', compared with 87.2% in the private sector. However, private care can be pricey and many only offer specialised care, rather than a range of services and departments - such as A&E.

NHS hospitals are currently facing a vast amount of pressure, with issues such as funding, staffing levels and industrial action leading to long waiting lists for patients, but Liverpool and Merseyside are home to a number of highly-rated NHS providers who continue to provide great care. Below are all of the hospitals* in Liverpool and Merseyside - both NHS and private - which currently hold a 'good' or 'outstanding' CQC rating, as well as how long you can expect to wait for treatment. See if your local hospital made the list.

*We have not included private medical suppliers or plastic surgery clinics. Some of the hospitals listed have not been inspected for a number of years, and some have not been included as they have not yet been rated.