n annual inpatient survey, which gives people an opportunity to share their healthcare experiences, is under way at Galway’s public hospitals.
The fifth national Inpatient Experience Survey, the largest of its kind in Ireland, is taking place at Galway University Hospitals (University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital ) and Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe.
The survey, which features 67 questions on topics such as admission to hospital, care and treatment on the ward, trust in hospital staff, respect and dignity, and care during the pandemic, enables patients to provide feedback about their service experiences as well as highlighting any necessary improvements.
The study, which is part of the National Care Experience Programme, a joint initiative by the independent health regulator HIQA, the HSE, and the Department of Health, will provide a clear picture of the safety and quality of care in Irish hospitals, as seen through the eyes of patients.
Patients over 16 years, who spent 24 hours or more in hospital and were discharged during the month of May, are eligible to participate. Eligible patients received a survey questionnaire by post at the end of June. The document can be completed in paper form or online and must be submitted by 5pm on August 12. To be eligible, patients must have a postal address in the Republic of Ireland. The findings of the 2022 survey will be published in the autumn on the website yourexperience.ie Almost 26,000 patients are eligible to participate in this year’s survey. Since 2017, more than 50,100 patients have completed the survey nationally, making over 86,000 comments on the care and treatment they received in hospital. Last year’s response rate of more than 40 per cent in Galway hospitals indicates the strong desire of patients to talk about their experiences in hospital in order to bring about meaningful change.
HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards, Rachel Flynn said she was encourage all eligible patients to share their recent experiences of care at Galway University Hospitals and Portiuncula University Hospital.
“By sharing your views, you will provide us with invaluable information on the improvements that are necessary to deliver a more person-centred health service in your area. It is by listening and learning from your experiences that we can bring about effective and sustainable changes across the healthcare sector.”
James Keane, the manager of Portiuncula University Hospital, said the survey results provide valuable feedback, acknowledging the services that work well and identifying areas where improvements are needed.
“One improvement project which we are delighted is under way is the construction of the new 50 bedded replacement ward which officially commenced on 14 June 2022.”
Tony Canavan, the CEO of the Saolta University Health Care Group, stated that it is committed to listening to the needs of its patients.
“Learning from their experiences allows us to deliver better care and improves health outcomes. This engagement is fundamental to how we approach patient-centred care. I strongly encourage all patients who were cared for in Galway University Hospitals and Portiuncula University Hospital during the month of May to take time to complete the survey. Previous survey findings have brought about patient-focused improvement projects and we look forward to hearing directly from our patients about what is working well in our hospitals, and what areas of care we can work to improve.”
To find out more about the survey check out the website yourexperience.ie
