Majority report positive stay at Sligo Hospital

THE majority of patients surveyed about their experience at Sligo University Hospital responded positively, with 85% of respondents reporting a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ experience.

The second year of the National Patient Experience Survey asked patients about their experiences of hospital are in order to find out what is working well in the health service and what needs to be improved.

The survey identified several areas of good experience, including; cleanliness in patients’ rooms and on the wards, patients feeling that they were given enough time to discuss their care and treatment with their doctors and many patients reported feeling that were always treated with dignity and respect while in hospital.

Some of the area highlighted in the survey for improvement included the choice of food provided to patients and the provision of the right amount of information to patients about their condition or treatment.

Commenting on the survey, Grainne McCann, General Manager Sligo University Hospital said, “This year, we are again very pleased with the overall results of the National Patient Experience Survey at Sligo University Hospital.

“We are particularly glad to note that so many of our patients reported positive experiences of the care received on the wards in SUH.

“93% of people surveyed felt that they had enough time to speak with their doctor about their treatment and 86% of patients felt that they were always treated with respect and dignity while in the hospital.

“Many of the comments from patients in the report acknowledged the care and support provided to them by our staff and I am delighted to see the great care provided by so many committed staff at SUH acknowledged.

“We know that there are a number of areas where we can improve, including the food we provide, particularly in relation to choice. We have recently expanded the menu choices, with healthier lunch and snack options.

“This is in place for paediatric patients and further menu changes are planned to roll out hospital wide in the near future.

“Patients also highlighted that they would like more information about their condition or treatment and we will be working on ways to address these issues.

“We would like to thank all the patients who took part in the survey and the staff who encouraged and facilitated it.”