The results of a new national hospital patient survey have found there is a need for improvements at our hospitals.
In the first National Patient Experience Survey conducted last May, 13,700 patients who had been discharged from a public hospital responded out of 27,000 invited.
The survey was developed with the involvement of Patient Focus.
Overall, patients’ ratings of their experiences at Sligo University Hospital were above the national average.
89% of patients at the hospital said they had a ‘very good’ or ‘good’ experience, compared with 84% nationally.
Patients also reported being given privacy when they were being examined or treated. People were also very positive about the amount of time they had to discuss their care and treatment with a doctor.
Many patients admitted that they were always treated with respect and dignity.
Generally, patients in Sligo University Hospital reported high levels of trust and confidence in the hospital staff treating them.
However, with the majority of respondents waiting for more than six hours to be admitted to a ward, waiting times in the emergency department is one area which requires improvement.
The survey also found some issues around food in the hospital. 25% of patients rated food there as poor.
