8 October 2018

Patients who were diagnosed and received treatment for cancer at SaTH felt they were treated with dignity and care and given the right support information, according to a new report.

Those who responded to the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2017 also felt that they were given explanations about test results in an understandable way and that the length of time for attending clinics and appointments was right.

The survey, commissioned by NHS England, saw patients give the Trust, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal Hospitals, an overall care rating of 8.9 (with zero being very poor and 10 being very good). The national average was 8.8.

Those surveyed were all adult (aged 16 and over) NHS patients with a confirmed primary diagnosis of cancer, discharged from the Trust after an inpatient episode or day case attendance for cancer related treatment in the months of April, May and June 2017.

They were asked 52 questions relating to their experience including diagnostic tests, support, finding out what was wrong, treatment decisions and their care as an inpatient in hospital.

Thirty two out of the 52 questions scored higher than the national average, with 10 questions the same as the national average. Of those 52 questions, five were statistically significantly higher than SaTH’s 2016 scores, and a further two questions saw significant change over the last three years. In addition, three of the 52 questions scored higher than the expected range.

Results included:

  • 92% of patients said hospital staff gave information about support groups. The national average was 86%
  • 90% of patients said hospital staff told them they could get free prescriptions. The national average was 81%
  • 78% of patients said the length of time for attending clinics and appointments was right. The national average was 69%
  • 83% of patients said they were given explanation of test results in an understandable way. The national average was 79%
  • 89% of patients said, overall, they were always treated with dignity and respect while they were in hospital, the same as the national average

As part of the survey, patients also commented on their experience at SaTH, saying:

“The care I received was excellent. Very caring, prompt at every stage.”

 “All the staff are very professional. They saved my life.”

 “All the staff at the Shrewsbury breast clinic, chemotherapy day unit and radiotherapy team have been outstanding. They all work extremely hard, but always have a smile and make time to ensure you understand what is happening with your treatment.”

“The cancer care I received was fantastic and I feel content and appreciative of all the treatment, support and help I have had from the hospital and all the staff.”

“I cannot fault the care I have received at RSH, from the speed of my treatment to the wonderful care given by the staff.”

“The care from all staff has been amazing. At each meeting with consultants my treatment and immediate side effects were discussed thoroughly.”    

“The identification of my cancer was quick, as were further tests and the operation. The whole process, from start to finish, through chemotherapy and regular check-ups couldn’t have been better. I felt privileged to have been treated by such a wonderful team of professionals.”

Although the results were largely positive, there are still some areas where more work is needed. That included the results for patients being given a care plan, which were down from 35% to 30% (national average 35%) and being given understandable information about whether radiotherapy was working was down from 54% to 53% (national average 59%) compared to last year.

Jessica Greenwood, Lead Cancer Nurse, said: “The results of the survey show that we are continuing to work hard to provide the best care possible for our patients who are undergoing a diagnosis and treatment for cancer.

“The positive comments that our patients have made about their care say a lot about our wonderful staff and I would like to thank them.

“However, we will also not be complacent and we will be looking at those areas where we need to improve.”