18 June 2008

Great results in first statewide patient survey

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher today released the results of the first statewide patient survey, which was conducted across all eight area health services and The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Ms Meagher said around 75,000 patients responded to the NSW Health 2007 Patient Survey which asked patients how they rated their care over a range of categories.

The vast majority of patients (88.1 per cent) rated their care as good, very good or excellent, while a further 62.5 per cent said they would definitely recommend the health service to friends or family.

"We are delighted to receive such positive feedback from patients and carers who are best placed to provide an accurate insight into our hospital system," Ms Meagher said.

"The results have been both instructive and encouraging, and will be used to continually improve the services our hospitals and healthcare facilities provide.

"It's particularly encouraging for our doctors and nurses to know that their effort is not only appreciated, but highly commended by the vast majority of patients."

The key findings from the survey include:

• 81 per cent said they found the availability of nurses good, very good or excellent
• 73 per cent said they always had confidence and trust in nurses
• 72 per cent said they found the availability of doctors good, very good or excellent

"The real heroes are the frontline health workers, who were praised across the board for their courtesy towards patients and carers," Ms Meagher said.

NSW Health also worked with the Cancer Institute NSW to include the Cancer Patient Satisfaction Survey 2007.

The Cancer Care Survey was conducted at 16 nominated sites across NSW and captured in detail the experience of cancer patients.

The survey found:

• 97 per cent of cancer outpatients were satisfied with their treatment
• 98 per cent of cancer outpatients rated the quality of care as high
• 93 per cent of cancer outpatients were satisfied with the handling of transfers between specialists
• 91 per cent of cancer inpatients were satisfied overall with their treatment
• 95 per cent of cancer inpatients were satisfied with their doctors

"These results show that NSW cancer outpatient satisfaction is now on par with the world's best, which proves that cancer patients are receiving quality care in NSW," Ms Meagher said.

"While the results of this survey are very encouraging, it shows there is always room for improvement."

Ms Meagher said the survey found patients' fears and anxieties could be better supported, with health workers now focussing on improving psychological care.

"This is a key element of the Iemma Government's Cancer Plan 2007-2010, and comes in addition to a further 28 front-line positions to provide psycho-social support to cancer patients," Ms Meagher said.

"This survey reflects the direction we are moving in - that is, toward promoting greater transparency and accountability in our hospital system."

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au