A total of 275 patients, who were treated in the early part of 2010, took part in the survey, which gave Weston a response rate of 77 per cent – in the top ten in the country of the 158 Trusts which took part.
Weston scored in the top 20 per cent nationally in the following categories:
As part of the survey, patients were able to write their own comments on their care and these are some examples from Weston’s results:
“The oncology department at Weston-Super-Mare hospital is excellent. The staff are always wonderful and very caring. I cannot praise them enough.”
“Weston is a great place for chemo treatment - such nice, caring staff and a happy, friendly well up-together, light airy and pleasant place. I'm very grateful that I'm there.”
“Weston oncology centre has treated me with great respect - caring and top quality nursing of the highest order.”
“The treatment that I received when attending Weston General Hospital could not have been bettered. It contributed to my feeling of complete relaxation, which I considered to be an important factor in my fight against the cancer.”
“The care I received was first class. The surgical ward in WSH was very clean. The food was excellent. The staff, doctors, nurses, porters were wonderful. The level of care and cleanliness was superb.”
“At Weston General oncology unit I have always been treated as an important individual, never just another patient.”
Lorene Read, Chief Executive of Weston Area Health NHS Trust, is also the Executive Lead Director within the Trust on Cancer Services.
She said: “This survey was designed to monitor national progress on cancer care and to provide information for us to use locally to drive quality improvements.
“Whilst our scores show that we can still improve in some areas, we are pleased to have scored in the highest 20 per cent category on so many important indicators.
“The comments from the patients have been heart-warming to read, particularly because we want so much to do our best for our cancer patients, at such a vulnerable time in their lives.
“They clearly show their appreciation for having such an important service delivered close to home and for the dedication shown by our small clinical teams, who really get to know their patients as they make their cancer journey with us.”
Lorene said that the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre within the hospital had been particularly praised by patients for the financial and welfare information it specialises in offering them. And the Clinical Nurse Specialists who work with specific cancers, such as breast and colo-rectal, were also singled out for appreciation.
The full survey can be viewed at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Cancer/Patientexperience/index.htm
For further information, please contact Caroline Welch on 01934 647091