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Patient satisfaction with NHS care continues to improve

Patient satisfaction with the NHS care they receive is continuing to improve, according to the latest Fundamentals of Care audit published recently (Fri 26th June).

The Chief Nursing Officer for Wales Dr Jean White recently launched a new campaign to ensure patients stay hydrated while in hospital as she launches the report.  

Wales is the only nation in the UK to conduct an in-depth, country-wide assessment of the quality of care provided. It combines a survey of patient experience, a staff survey and an audit which measures the delivery of care and assesses how care standards are delivered.  

The audit measures a range of care standards, including safety, alleviating pain, preventing pressure sores and rest and sleep for patients being cared for in Welsh hospitals.

Patients reported they were happy with the care they received to alleviate pain and provide comfort and 99% said they felt safe when receiving care in hospital.  

The operational audit results also showed an overall improvement, from 84% compliance in 2013 to 88%, with a 13% improvement in the sleep, rest and activity standard.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said recently:

“No other UK nation conducts such a detailed and wide-ranging review of care standards in health and social care.  We are committed to improving the quality of care, and I’m pleased that these results show real improvements.

“Last year’s report showed a need to improve standards for oral health and hygiene and we have not been complacent – the audit reports an improvement of 16%.

”We are working to improve care for patients, which is why we are today launching the new NHS Wales hydration campaign Water Keeps You Well.”    


Dr White will visit ward four in Prince Charles Hospital, in Merthyr Tydfil to launch the campaign, where she will meet nursing staff who are working to ensure all their patients get the hydration they need to manage their health conditions and prevent further harm and distress.  
She said:


“There are many examples of nursing teams doing great work to ensure their patients are properly hydrated. We want to build on these local successes with this national campaign.  It is vital that patients – especially frail and elderly people in hospital – are kept hydrated.  

“We will pilot the campaign in two hospitals and then extend it across Wales. As well as messages to explain how important it is that people receive enough fluids, I want staff to think about themselves too – staying hydrated helps with decision making and the care they provide.

”The Fundamentals of Care audit report shows NHS Wales continues to improve the quality of the care it provides. There is more to do, but I’m pleased to see these results show that the majority of patients are happy with the care they receive.”

RELATED LINKS

All Wales Fundamentals of Care Audit

 

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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