14 January 2009
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is within the top 20% of trusts across London for patient satisfaction in its Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments, according to a survey released today (14 January) by the health watchdog, the Healthcare Commission.
The Emergency Department Survey 2008 found that 80% of 800 randomly selected patients were satisfied overall with the service they received in the Trust's A&E departments and almost 90% felt they were treated with respect and dignity.
The three A&Es at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals also received high scores for the care and treatment provided by staff, pain management, waiting times, and communication between doctors and patients.
Welcoming the report, Chief Executive Samantha Jones said: "We are delighted with the results of the Healthcare Commission's survey. Staff in our three A&E departments work extremely hard to reduce the time patients have to wait, with just under 98% of patients last year being seen, treated, discharged or admitted in four hours or less. This is excellent news for patients, especially when you consider that not that many years ago people could spend ten hours or more waiting to be seen.
"These studies are invaluable as they show us where we are performing well and highlight where we can make improvements. I am delighted that so many patients took the time to tell us how they viewed this vital service."
Head of nursing for A&E, Tracy Smith said: "Everyone in our A&E departments is understandably thrilled with the result of the survey. We will use the results to further improve our services and to ensure our patients receive the top notch service they deserve."
The Emergency Department Survey looked at 26 trusts across London to get views from patients about the service they received from A&E departments.
