Medway Hospital has asked for the report to be corrected

Patients at the Medway Maritime Hospital were said to have a 20% higher than average chance of dying in a survey published by The Sunday Times.

But Andrew Horne, chief executive of the Medway NHS Trust, said the correct mortality rate was only 6% higher than the average.

"Thankfully it was acknowledged by The Sunday Times that the figures for the local community trust have been included in error.

"The figures in there are also those of the local hospice - so you can understand why the figures were so high.

"We've asked them to correct that and we will then find that the figures will be very much in line with last year, when we were average."

Mr Horne said the mortality ratios given in the survey were only one of the factors on which the hospital should be ranked.

'Very good on cancer'

"If you look at some of the others were are on an upward path.

"We are very good on cancer and even with outpatients, we are one of the best - the best in Kent."

Mr Horne said a review was undertaken each time there was a death in the hospital to ensure staff learnt from any issues found.

He said waiting times were also being reduced considerably year on year.

The report took into account factors beyond the hospitals' control, such as patients' age and sex, the diagnosis and whether an admission was planned or an emergency, in assessing death rates.

The figures were based on data compiled by the Dr Foster Unit at Imperial College, London, an independent organisation which researches health services.