Patients have been asked to describe their experiences to trained inspectors as part of an in-depth review of the county's main hospitals.

The Commission of Health Improvement (CHI) is carrying out a study of the John Radcliffe, the Churchill and Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and The Horton, Banbury, to pinpoint problems and highlight good practice.

The assessment was due to take place within four years, but was brought forward following the controversial external heart review last year.

A team of inspectors, including a doctor, nurse, a member of the public and an NHS manager, is now urging patients to come forward to talk about encounters they have had at any of the four Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust centres. They are also keen to speak to carers, patients' relatives and staff before publishing a full report.

Individual and small group meetings are being arranged between Wednesday, June 6, and Friday, June 8, and all information will be treated anonymously and in confidence.

CHI chief executive Peter Homa said: "These assessments are intended to celebrate success, address shortcomings and share good practice."

Peter Greengross, assistant medical director at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, welcomed the review. He said: "We want to encourage people to come forward with their experiences so that we can learn what works well and where improvements can be made."