The Royal Devon scores nine out of ten in NHS survey

Patients have given The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation in Exeter an average rating of nine out of ten for their cancer care treatment.

The rating was part of the NHS’s National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, which aims to understand the experiences of cancer care across England.

The Royal Devon scored higher than the national average in ten areas, with their highest being: 

• 95 per cent of patients felt that staff provided them with relevant information on available support. 
• 93 per cent felt that the whole team worked well together.
• 92 per cent felt that administration of care was good or very good.
• 88 per cent were told that they could go back later for more information about their diagnosis.
• 86 per cent agreed that diagnostic test staff appeared to have completely all of the required information about their condition.

These results mean that The Royal Devon’s patient satisfaction rates are back to pre-COVID-19 levels. 

The Trust did, however, see reduced scores in two areas:

• 77 per cent of patients said that they had confidence and trust in all of the team looking after them during their stay in the hospital. 
• 66 per cent said that they were always able to discuss worries and fears with hospital staff.

The Royal Devon has said that it will be working closely with its different staffing teams to understand how it can improve in these areas.

A spokesperson added: “This is a very pleasing result, demonstrating the sustained high quality of care being delivered to our patients. The Trust wishes to recognise and thank all colleagues for their personal contribution, dedication, and commitment towards our patients.

“The Trust would also like to pay a special thank you to our partner charities, ELF, FORCE, and Hospice, for their continued care and support.”

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “The teams at the Royal Devon go to great lengths to provide the best possible care for our patients, putting patients at the heart of everything they do. We are delighted to see that is reflected in the feedback that patients have given about their cancer care.

“Hearing the views of patients through surveys like this is hugely valuable to the Trust, as we are always looking for ways to improve our services.”

A total of 1,249 Royal Devon patients completed the survey, reflecting a 60 per cent response rate—nearly 8 per cent higher than the national average of 52 per cent.

You can find the full results here.