NORTHUMBRIA is one of the best performing health care trusts in the country, according to the National Inpatient Survey.
The survey of inpatients at the trust's hospitals found that the Trust scored well in patients feeling they received their treatment in a timely manner; keeping to planned admission dates; patients not sharing sleeping areas with members of the oppos
ite sex (for which the trust was ranked second in the country); discharge from hospital not being delayed and choice of food.
Chief executive Jim Mackey, said: "We are really pleased with our inpatient survey results as they show we are doing well in most areas.
"In particular patients feel our staff communicate well with them, involving them in decisions about their care and explaining what would happen during their stay in a way patients could understand.
"While patients tell us they receive a good choice of food we know we need to improve quality and nutritional standards. Around £1million has been invested to achieve this and we hope to see patients rate our food more highly in future surveys."
The survey showed the trust could improve in making patients aware of all of the side effects of their medications, could provide more assistance at mealtimes and could admit patients to their ward more quickly.
The full article contains 217 words and appears in Northumberland Gazette newspaper.
