WIREDGOV

A new report published last week shows patient satisfaction with the quality of care they receive in hospital remains high across Wales 

The annual Fundamentals of Care audit – the fourth such exercise – asks patients to rate the care they received on hospital wards in terms of being treated with dignity and respect, the cleanliness of the ward and other measures.

The report is based on a snapshot-in-time audit of more than 3,000 patient records, a patient survey and a staff survey carried out in October and November last year.  

The results show:

• 94% of patients were satisfied with the overall care they received;
• 97% always or usually felt they were treated with dignity and respect;
• 98% agreed the clinical area was kept clean, tidy and uncluttered;
• 96% agreed they were given help to maintain their independence;
• 93% agreed that when they asked for help they received it promptly.

Wales’ Chief Nursing Officer Professor Jean White said:

“This audit is clear evidence that the overall quality of care provided across Wales is rated highly by those who receive it.

“The audit not only tells us where the NHS is performing well, it also highlights areas in need of improvement, such as oral health and foot, nail and hair care for example.

“This information will help organisations to prioritise local action and influence Wales-wide work to improve the standards of patient care and enhance patient experience.”

The Fundamentals of Care audit is a Welsh Government programme, which aims to improve the quality of aspects of health and social care for adults. It contains 12 standards all relating to essential elements of care, including rest and sleep; personal hygiene; preventing pressure sores; dignity and respect and eating and drinking