Majority of patients report good experiences in hospital

THE majority of participants from Wexford General Hospital who took part in a national patient questionnaire, reported positive experiences with ‘good’ or ‘very good’ ratings, according to the findings of the National Patient Experience Survey 2018.

The nationwide survey offers patients the chance to describe their experiences of public acute healthcare in Ireland and is carried out in partnership between the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health.

Eighty per cent of participants from Wexford General Hospital reported positive experiences compared to 84% nationally. The hospital achieved similar scores to the national average across each stage of care, with the exception of admissions where it scored higher. Several areas of good experience were identified, where participants gave above-average ratings. For example, patients were very satisfied with the level of dignity and respect shown to them in the emergency department during their hospital stay. Patients also gave very positive ratings of cleanliness on the ward. There were areas in need of improvement with issues highlighed including communication with doctors as well as confidence and trust in staff. In addition, a number of people said they did not always receive help with getting to the bathroom in time.

No improvement in patient experience ratings were identified since the 2017 survey.