Cancer care at Poole is rated highly in new survey
Poole Hospital ranked in the top 20% of UK hospitals in 47% of the questions put to patients in the new cancer survey
The care of patients with cancer at Poole Hospital has been rated highly in a new patient survey carried out on behalf of the Department of Health.
All adult hospital patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer were invited to take part in the NHS Cancer Patient Experience Survey. Participants rated the care they received from initial referral to discharge from hospital.
Poole ranked in the top 20% of UK hospitals in 47% of the questions put to patients, and was one of a very small group of Trusts to receive no scores in the bottom 20%.
Patients rated the care at Poole particularly highly in the following categories:
- Appropriate support given to patients in making decisions about treatment
- Good access to, and support given by, Cancer Nurse Specialists
- Good quality consultations and management of patient contact by hospital doctors
- Good standard of communication and understanding by ward staff
- Strong management of pain control
- Good quality information given at discharge
- High quality of hospital care as a day patient/outpatient
- Overall NHS care
There were some areas identified by participants for further improvement - for example, access to easy-to-understand written information. All staff involved with the care and treatment of patients diagnosed with cancer are reviewing the processes of care in the light of the survey results.
Chris Bown, Chief Executive at Poole Hospital said: “We are delighted to see the results of this survey, and would like to thank all those who participated. We will continue to strive to provide the highest standard of care for cancer patients.”
Dr Andrew Bell, Lead Cancer Clinician said: “Poole Hospital treats patients with cancer from across Dorset and our staff have worked hard to ensure that our patients are treated with dignity and respect, and receive the best possible care.
“The Trust has been very proactive in participating in Advanced Communication Skills Training for all staff involved in cancer care, and it is particularly encouraging to see how this is being perceived by patients.”
To read the full results for Poole Hospital, visit www.quality-health.co.uk/cancer-reports
Date: 24 January 2011