A national survey has highlighted positive experiences of inpatients at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
UHMBT and other NHS Trusts commissioned Picker, an international charity working across health and social care, to undertake the national ‘Adult Inpatient Survey' and the results were recently published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
A total of 1,250 patients from UHMBT were asked to take part in the survey and the response rate was 44%. The survey showed that UHMBT’s results were ‘better than most trusts’ for seven questions.87% of patients rated there overall experience as 7/10 or more, 98% said they were treated with respect and dignity and 99% had confidence and trust in the doctors.
Nationally, the survey involved 61 organisations in England and 62,444 patients took part - a response rate of 41%. Patients were eligible for the survey if they were aged 16 years or older, had spent at least one night in hospital during November 2024 and were not admitted to maternity or psychiatric units. Questionnaires were sent out and received between January and April of this year.
The top five scores in UHMBT’s report included the following:
- The score for the question: 'Hospital staff took into account dietary needs (Excluding respondents who answered using a smartphone)' was 89% compared to 79% nationally.
- The score for the question: 'Got enough support from health or social care professionals after discharge' was 87% compared to 78% nationally.
- The score for the question: ‘Staff discussed need for additional equipment or home adaptation after discharge' was 89% compared to 82% nationally.
- The score for the question: 'Staff explained reasons for changing wards at night' was 86% compared to 80% nationally
- The score for the question: 'Enough information given about care and treatment while on a virtual ward' was 91% compared to 86% nationally.
UHMBT's most improved scores included:
- 87% in 2024 compared to 78% in 2023 for the question: 'Got enough support from health or social care professionals after discharge'.
- 85% in 2024 compared to 77% in 2023 for the question: 'Information given about the risks and benefits of continuing treatment on a virtual ward'.
- 88% in 2024 compared to 82% in 2023 for the question: 'Before leaving hospital knew what would happen next with care'.
Senior leaders at UHMBT said the Trust’s results showed that staff were still delivering good results for patients despite significant pressures.
Lynne Wyre, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, UHMBT, said: “We welcome the findings of the annual inpatient survey and the valuable feedback from our patients.
“A massive thank you from myself and the executive team to all of the patients who took the time to fill in the survey and let us know what we are doing well and what we need to improve. I’d also like to thank our wonderful staff for everything they do, day in day out, to provide the best possible care to our patients.
“We will now put together action plans to be developed in line with the findings of the inpatient survey. We aim to improve our results overall in the coming year and will continue to listen to our patient as to what we need to improve. Improving patient experience and making quality improvements are key parts of our Trust strategy – Putting Patients First.
“Our Patient, Carer Involvement and Volunteering Strategy also involves patients and the public to ensure the highest standards of quality and care.”
The full national survey results are here.