Patients rate HNE Health experience as positive
Hunter New England Health has scored ratings higher than the state average for overall patient care and patient advocacy for its services, according to results of the NSW Health 2009 Patient Survey released earlier this week.
The results, released by the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Carmel Tebbutt, show 92.6 per cent of patients surveyed in the Hunter New England Health region rated their overall care as ‘excellent’, ‘very good’, or ‘good’. This was higher than the NSW state average, which stands at 90.7 per cent.
In addition, 69.3 per cent of those surveyed said they would ‘definitely’ recommend Hunter New England Health to family and friends. This advocacy rating is also above the state average of 66.2 per cent.
Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Dr Nigel Lyons said the overall results were outstanding news and the credit needed to go to more than 14,000 staff who work across the Area Health Service, which stretches across approximately 130,000 square kilometres.
“Providing high quality care to a population of more than 840,000 people over such a large geographical area can be challenging, so it’s very pleasing to see such positive results coming out of the survey,” Dr Lyons said.
“We could not have achieved such high marks if it weren’t for the commitment and hard work of our staff, and my thanks and appreciation goes out to each and very one of them.”
NSW Health posted surveys to 216,000 people statewide and 13,962 people living in the Hunter New England Health region responded.
Surveys were classified into seven categories: overnight inpatients, day only inpatients, paediatric inpatients, adult rehabilitation inpatients, non-admitted emergency patients, community health clients and outpatients.
Respondents were asked questions about eight core dimensions of care that patients value including access to care, respect for patient preferences, coordination of care, information and education provided, continuity and transition of care, physical comfort, emotional support and involvement of family and friends.
Hunter New England Health received highest marks for overall patient care among community health patients, day only inpatients, outpatients and paediatric inpatients.
Dr Lyons said while the survey results were very encouraging, they also highlighted some areas for improvement.
“We are delighted that the people we provide healthcare for have provided such positive feedback through the NSW Health 2009 Patient Survey, however, there is always room for improvement,” Dr Lyons said.
“The survey results tell us that patients want us to provide them and their loved ones with more information about care and treatment, and to do more to help alleviate their fear and anxiety. We also have room to improve in continuity of care, and in helping people manage their pain better.”
Dr Lyons said the results of the NSW Health 2009 Patient Survey will be reviewed in detail and findings shared with local health service managers and the broader community.
“The survey results provide us with insights about what’s important to patients, which is crucial information as we look at strategies for the future.” Dr Lyons said.
“Clearly, we want to maintain performance in those areas where we are doing well, but we also need to focus more closely on those areas where we can do better.”
Contact: Gemma Smith
Phone: 4985 5522