Public perceptions help shape local health care provision

The public’s perception of local health services has shown considerable improvement across the region according to the latest research. Three years ago NHS South Central Strategic Health Authority (SCSHA) commissioned detailed research to find out what people thought of their local health service.  Since that time the research has been updated every six months.

The research commissioned, which started in January 2008, has also taken into account the numerous changes that have taken place across the entire NHS system. All the results have been compared against national benchmarks from the Department of Health’s ‘NHS Tracker’ series, which does ensure that all the figures were tracked on a continual basis.

The latest and final piece of research took place between 1^st June and 21^st August this year, involved10,503 face-to-face interviews with adults aged 16+ years of age across the South Central region.

Andrea Young, Chief Executive of SCSAH, commented:

“This research is extremely helpful in allowing us to understand exactly the health needs of local communities.  Since it first started we have seen an overall increase in satisfaction of the health services provided, which now stands at 81%, a full ten points higher than the baseline study figures. This is excellent news and reinforces our approach to ensuring that every patient – or potential patient – receives the best possible care and treatment.

“We are grateful to all those who took part in the research.  It has given us tremendous insight into the needs of patients and residents in the NHS South Central region, and helps us focus on areas for further improvement.”

The research covered a wide range of NHS services such as GPs, hospitals, dentists and pharmacies.  Questions throughout have related to appointment waiting times, the quality of care and treatment and the ability to get a convenient appointment with a GP, all of which have received positive responses relating to the strength of services within the South Central region.

In fact more patients believe it now easier to make an appointment with an NHS dentist (45% versus 41%), than six months ago,

The research also gives a breakdown of the top 5 most satisfied services in each area within the region.  For example, in the Buckinghamshire area with over 1,200 respondents it received a rating of 85% for friendliness of staff, whilst Portsmouth (response rate of over 1,100) scored top on Quality of Care and treatment received – 82%.

To see a full breakdown of the research, please visit: http://www.southcentral.nhs.uk/how-we-are-doing/market-research-results and view the responses from those living in the South Central region showing how they feel about their local health services.

ENDS

1. The NHS South Central Region covers the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
2. Further media enquiries, please contact Jo Fainlight, Communications Officer, South Central Strategic Health Authority 01635 275613 or jo.fainlight@southcentral.nhs.uk
3. South Central SHA website: www.southcentral.nhs.uk
4. Research conducted by ICM Research.