Rotherham Hospital patients report significant improvement in CQC inpatient experience survey

The Care Quality Commission's (CQC) annual NHS Adult Inpatient Survey asked patients who stayed at least one night in hospital in November 2023 about their experience, including admission to hospital, care and treatment on the ward, care by the doctors and nurses, and the help they received when being discharged.

Results showed a significant improvement in almost all scores for TRFT. Overall patients scored their experience as 8/10

The survey found improvements in the following areas:

• Ability of patients to get food outside of mealtimes 
• Patients being asked to give their views on the quality of their care
• Patients being given enough information about their care and treatment while on the ‘virtual ward,’ where patients are treated at home
• Cleanliness of the room or ward 
• Patients getting enough to drink 
• Having enough help and support after discharge

The results also highlighted areas where patient experience scored lower than other Trusts, including:

• Length of time on a waiting list
• Staff discussing the need for additional equipment or home adaptation after discharge
• Noise at night on the ward

Medical Director, Dr Jo Beahan, said: “The results are a testament to our staff giving their very best every day to deliver the best inpatient care, amidst an unprecedented demand for inpatient admissions. We’re committed to continually listening to patient feedback and acting on this to enhance our services”.

Cindy Storer, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “We have listened carefully to what patients have told us and worked hard to make improvements in these areas. We are really pleased to hear our patients tell us that things are better, while recognising there is still more to do.

"We have just opened a new Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) near the main hospital entrance as a helpful point of contact for information and signposting to our services, and a safe space to speak to an impartial person around any concerns you have about your care and treatment.

"We have been working in partnership with carers to ensure we provide the best care for people who use our services, and to support the needs of the carers themselves. The Trust is committed to the pledges as outlined in the new Carer Promise.

"We have also developed bespoke bereavement support for families who have experienced a loved one receive End of Life Care.”

Linda Martin, Interim Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “We have refreshed our national cleaning standards and build a new wheelchair station near the main entrance and bought new wheelchairs. This will help people arriving at our main entrance who need some assistance. By autumn, patients staying overnight in hospital will be able to purchase drinks, snacks and newspapers from our new mobile trolley service”.

Responses were received from 63,573 patients nationally – a response rate of 41.7%. The response rate for TRFT was 39%, with 448 patients responding.

To ensure ongoing improvement, the Trust’s Patient Engagement Team actively seeks feedback and involvement from patients, their relatives, members of the public, and particularly those with lived experience from less well heard groups, LGBT communities, people with disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

There are a number of ways to do this, including joining TRFT’s Patient Panel. The team can be contacted via:

Email: rotherham.patientengagement@nhs.net 

Telephone: 01709 425416

Or by post to: 
Engagement and Inclusion Team 
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
D Level, Junction 3 
Moorgate Road 
Rotherham
S60 2UD