Harrogate cancer care scores highly on national cancer survey

Posted on: Monday 8 Oct 2018

Hundreds of patients have participated in rating the cancer care received at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust as part of a national survey – with the Trust consistently scoring above the national average.

NHS England’s National Cancer Patient Survey 2017 sets out what patients across the country think about the cancer care they receive, with results now published.

Asked to rate their care on a scale of zero (very poor) to 10 (very good), respondents gave Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust an average rating of 9. It also consistently scores above the national average on individual questions.

The Trust provides high quality medical and nursing care for patients referred with a suspicion of cancer, throughout investigations, diagnosis, treatment, recovery or end of life care.

Key findings as part of the survey include:

  • 86 per cent of respondents said that they were definitely involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about their care and treatment
  • 97 per cent of respondents said that they were given the name of a Clinical Nurse Specialist who would support them through their treatment
  • 93 per cent of respondents said that it had been ‘quite easy’ or ‘very easy’ to contact their Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • 88 per cent of respondents said that, overall, they were always treated with dignity and respect while they were in hospital
  • 97 per cent of respondents said that hospital staff told them who to contact if they were worried about their condition or treatment after they left hospital

This is the seventh yearly survey of all adults with cancer who were treated as an inpatient or day case between April-June 2017. 276 completed questionnaires were taken into account. Questions follow the patient journey from their initial GP referral through to diagnostics, treatment and discharge.

Laura Milburn, Lead Cancer Manager at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is fantastic to see that the Trust has scored so highly and above the national average as part of NHS England’s National Cancer Patient Survey 2017.

“We’re incredibly proud of the cancer services we offer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and the results of the survey will help us to continue improving patient experience and the care that we provide – thank you to all of the patients who took part.”

Dr Ros Tolcher, Chief Executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We are delighted to see the results of the National Cancer Patient Survey for 2017, which once again shows that feedback from our patients and service users places us well above the national average for cancer care.

“This is a great tribute to the care and dedication of colleagues working in the service. Our appreciation goes out to all those who took part in the survey.”

To view the full results of the survey, visit www.ncpes.co.uk/reports/2017-reports/local-reports-2/trusts-2/3856-harrogate-and-district-nhs-foundation-trust-2017-ncpes-report-rcd/file.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Jamie Wright, Communications and Marketing Assistant, [email protected] and 01423 557732.

Notes to editors: The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2017 is the seventh iteration of the survey first undertaken in 2010. It has been designed to monitor national progress on cancer care; to provide information to drive local quality improvements; to assist commissioners and providers of cancer care; and to inform the work of the various charities and stakeholder groups supporting cancer patients. The survey was commissioned and managed by NHS England.