Dorset County Hospital patients 'pleased' with emergency care

The CQC's been surveying people who've used the department

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 2nd Aug 2023

Dorset County Hospital (DCH) as 'about the same' or 'better than expected' across all parts of their emergency department, when compared to other NHS trusts.

The hospital says the results of a Care Quality Commission survey of patients shows they're 'continuing to provide good urgent and emergency care despite the unprecedented pressures' they're facing.

A questionnaire was sent to more than 2,000 people who used the DCH emergency department between November 2022 and March 2023 - with responses sent back from 438 patients.

People were asked to answer questions about different aspects of their care and treatment, with NHS trusts was given a score out of 10 for each section.

DCH scored particularly well for the care given by doctors and nurses; the respect and dignity provided to patients; and the information given to people for ongoing care when they leave A&E.

Despite the worst mark out of 10 for waiting times there (4.9 scored), that was judged to be 'somewhat better than expected' compared to other hospitals.

Patients have been rating their experiences in using DCH's emergency department

Emergency Department Matron Clare Turnbull said:

“The team work extremely hard to provide high quality care and strive to give our patients the best experience they can, in an often very busy, unpredictable and stressful environment.

“The results reflect just how hard everyone works and the team should be very proud of themselves and I want to thank each and every one of them for all their hard work and dedication.”

DCH’s Deputy Chief Executive Nick Johnson added:

“We are so proud of our team for achieving such good results in this survey, despite the continued unprecedented pressure on our Emergency Department.

“The results are evidence of the huge amount of commitment and hard work from staff and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering dedication to providing the best possible care for our patients.”

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