PATIENTS have had their say on services at Dorset County Hospital.

The latest inpatient survey, captured the views and experiences of hundreds of patients admitted to DCH in November 2021.

Results, collected by the Picker Institute on behalf of the Care Quality Commission, showed that those in emergency care or considered 'frail' reported generally poorer experiences than average.

The results revealed that 82% of patients rated their overall satisfaction as a 7/10 or more - with 99% saying they were treated with respect and dignity. 98% said they had confidence and trust in the staff.

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Less than half of patients (46%) said they 'definitely' got enough support from health and social care service after leaving the hospital - down from 51% in the 2020 survey.

Chief Nursing Officer at Dorset County Hospital Nicky Lucey said: “The survey was conducted at a time of continued pressure on our staff, so it is fantastic to see such positive feedback from our patients.

“This reflects the tremendous efforts and dedication of our staff across the organisation to continue to provide outstanding care.

“Patient feedback is incredibly important in helping us to continue to shape and improve the care and experience we provide to our patients, and we will be taking steps to address areas where improvements are needed.”

Patients particularly highlighted how they were able to keep in touch with family and friends throughout the COVID-19 restrictions, the quality of the food and how long they had to wait for admissions.

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Areas where suggested improvements can be made included giving further privacy when discussion conditions and treatment, further explanation on how patients might feel after their procedure and who to contact when being discharged and not preventing patients from sleeping at night.

The Care Quality Commission said: "People admitted for emergency care and those who were considered frail reported poorer than average experiences for all the questions we explored in the survey.

"Younger people aged 16 to 35 and 36 to 50, and those who stayed in hospital for two nights or more, consistently reported poorer experiences of inpatient care."

The latest inpatient survey, carried out by the Picker Institute on behalf of the Care Quality Commission, captured the views and experience of 570 patients admitted to DCH in November 2021.