CQC patient survey – Health Foundation response

Responding to the publication today by the Care Quality Commission of the urgent and emergency care patient survey, Tim Gardner, assistant director of policy at the Health Foundation, said:  

‘Today’s survey highlights the urgent need to improve patient experience of emergency care in the NHS, particularly in the major A&E departments used by patient with the most serious conditions. While many people report positive interactions with NHS staff, the survey highlights that the need to improve pain management while patients are waiting and reducing delays, including during ambulance handovers, are the most pressing areas for action. These challenges are symptomatic of the pressures being felt right across health and social care services, with winter fast approaching. 

‘The new government has emphasised the depth of the crisis it inherited and has committed significant investment to stabilise the NHS in its recent Budget. To drive improvement, the government will need to provide practical support and resources to improve care across the health and care system, backed by long-term investment and reform in next year’s Spending Review and 10-Year Health Plan. Importantly, the challenges facing the NHS will not be addressed without fixing social care.’