Northern NSW hospitals continue to excel in patient satisfaction

THE latest Bureau of Health Information survey has revealed Northern NSW hospitals continue to rate consistently highly with patients.

The recently released Adult Admitted Patient Survey showed 95 per cent of patients said the care they received at NNSWLHD hospitals was “good” or “very good”, with 97 per cent similarly rating the nursing care.

NNSWLHD chief executive officer Tracey Maisey praised health staff for their unwavering compassion and commitment.

“Being in hospital can often be an unfamiliar and vulnerable experience, so it’s heartening to see that the majority of patients are reporting positive experiences of care.”

Most patients reported that the staff was polite, the health professionals were kind and caring, and they felt treated with respect and dignity.

Highlights from local facilities include Ballina Hospital, where 98 per cent of patients rated it as “good/very good” for nursing care and recorded nine measures significantly above the NSW average overall.

At Byron Central Hospital 98 per cent of patients also rated the nursing care “good/very good”, and 94 per cent rated their overall care experience similarly.

At the former Tweed Hospital, 97 per cent rated the nurses as “good/very good”, and 96 per cent said the same for their overall care.

In Lismore, 96 per cent of patients at the Base Hospital said the same of their nursing care.

Murwillumbah District Hospital shone with 97 per cent of patients rating the team of health professionals as “very good” or “good” and recorded 32 measures significantly higher than the state average for overall care, organisation, respect and kindness, cleanliness, communication and involvement in decision-making.

It also rated highest in the state, with 95 per cent of patients saying they would speak highly of their experience if asked about it by family and friends.

“Our health staff do an amazing job of providing compassion and kindness alongside their expertise, and I want to take this chance to thank them for bringing this to our patients each day.

“I also want to thank our patients for taking the time to provide feedback.

“It’s so important that we hear from patients so that we can continue to improve our services.”