Survey finds 86% of patients attending Naas Hospital reported having a "good" or "very good" experience

The results of the 2024 National Inpatient Experience Survey have been published, capturing the experiences of patients in public acute hospitals across Ireland.

This year, over 12,000 patients participated in the survey, providing feedback on their care experiences in Irish hospitals during the month of May.

The survey revealed that the majority of respondents (86%) had a good or very good overall experience of care. 

The care experience at Naas General Hospital was rated positively, with 60% of patients describing it as “very good” and 26% as “good.”

The detailed survey consisted of 52 questions, covering inpatient experiences from admission through to discharge during their recent stay in hospital in order to find out what was working well, and where improvements could be made.

Compared to the 2022 survey findings, the 2024 results indicate an improvement in patients' overall care experience ratings, particularly in the areas of hospital admissions and discharges, with discharges having consistently received the lowest scores in previous surveys.

In all areas of this year’s survey Naas General Hospital scored above or similar to the national average for all survey questions. This included how the hospital and its staff dealt with admissions, and also in terms of how medical staff diagnosed, treated and cared for patients during their hospital stay.

As a result of the findings of the 2024 National Inpatients Experience Survey in Naas General Hospital the following new measures will be introduced.

Patient Feedback

• Launching of a ‘Colour Code’ campaign to help patients identify different staff members via the colour of their uniform and ultimately whom they can address concerns to.
• An awareness campaign to communicate how patients can make a complaint or offer feedback via feedback.naas@hse.ie, a QR code, comment cards located throughout the hospital.

Patients with a Disability or Long-term Condition

• Launch of ‘John’s Campaign’ – a campaign that allows carers of people with intellectual disabilities or with Alzheimer’s to visit out-of-hours.  Recognising the essential roles of family carers. 
• An Intellectual Disability Support Nurse Service will accept referrals to persons with intellectual disabilities who require additional supports.

Despite overall positive feedback, patients identified a number of key areas to be improved including:

• Time to discuss care and treatment with a doctor

• Clear explanations of a diagnosis
• Someone on the hospital staff to talk to about worries and fears

Commenting Deirdre Canning, Quality & Patient Safety Manager at Naas General Hospital said: “A number of areas for improvement were identified as a result of the last National Inpatient Experience Survey. We have used the 2024 results to develop quality improvement plans, to ensure patients’ priorities are being addressed going forward.”

Kieran McDonald, General Manager at Naas General Hospital added: “Thanks to our patients we have this invaluable feedback. These results offer clear insights into what we are doing well and highlight areas where we can introduce new practices and measures to drive further improvement, ensuring we continue to deliver an excellent standard of care.”

Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer, Dublin Midlands said; “The 2024 results highlight that Naas General Hospital is delivering the highest levels of positive patient experience. Across all hospitals surveyed, there was consistent recognition of the care and compassion demonstrated by staff throughout our facilities. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff for their dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and for their continued efforts on quality improvement initiatives that enhance our services. Finally, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the patients who generously shared their time to offer valuable insights into their experiences with hospital care.”

For further information on the National Patient Experience Survey visit www.patientexperience.ie or follow @NPESurvey @HSELive #patientexperience #listeningrespondingimproving