RCN welcomes reports of increased patient satisfaction

Published: 19 May 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the publication of the CQC’s 2009 NHS Inpatient Survey, which indicated that 92% of patients rated care as either excellent, very good or good.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, said:

“Nurses will be heartened to learn that more than nine in ten patients are pleased with the care they receive in hospitals, with more patients than ever before rating care as ‘excellent’.

“One of the key findings in today’s report shows more patients now rate hospitals as being clean than they did in the past. This is testament to the dedication of nurses and healthcare staff who have worked hard to drive down infection rates, improving the quality of care for all patients.

“It is also encouraging that fewer patients are now being cared for in mixed-sex accommodation, highlighting the determination and efforts of healthcare staff to prioritise patient dignity.

“However, today’s report shows there is no room for complacency. It is deeply concerning to learn that more than four in ten patients do not think there are always enough nurses on duty to care for them. As well as contributing significantly to patient satisfaction, it is well known that there is a direct correlation between the number of nurses and the rate of patient recovery. The government must ensure there is the right number and balance of nursing staff working in both hospital and community settings to ensure patients receive the best possible care.”

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Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.