The United Bristol Healthcare Trust is second in the UK for the number of nurses it provides, according to The Sunday Times Good Hospital Guide.

Per 100 beds, the Trust - which runs the Bristol Royal Infirmary - has more than 188 nurses and 55 doctors.

But the Trust was given a "no-star" ratings in the 2002 NHS hospital league tables.

Waiting times

Bids were invited in January from NHS managers and eight private companies to take over the running of the Trust for an initial period of three years.

The shortlisted candidates are expected to be announced soon.

Ranked by worst overall inpatient waiting times in the sunday newspaper, the city fared less well.

The North Bristol Trust admits 66% of inpatients within 6 months and sees 78% of outpatients within 13 weeks.

This tallies with the national average across England.

But at the top end of the table, almost all outpatients are seen within 13 weeks.

The guide audited hospitals on mortality rates, waiting times and staffing levels.