Patients rate Northumbria hospital environments among the best in the country
Patients in the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust area have once again rated their hospital experience among the best in the country, according to the latest national survey.
It performed above the national average across all eight areas measured in the 2025 Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) survey.
The annual assessments review non-clinical aspects of hospital environments – including cleanliness, food, privacy and dignity, and the overall condition of buildings.
The trust, which runs hospitals across Northumberland and North Tyneside, ranked top nationally among large acute trusts for cleanliness, food, condition, appearance and maintenance.
Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), the trust’s estates and facilities subsidiary, plays a key role in maintaining hospital buildings, facilities and equipment to support a positive experience for patients and visitors.
Damon Kent, managing director of NHFM, said: “We are incredibly proud of the results achieved in this year’s assessments.
“While delivering excellent clinical care is always our priority, we also recognise the important role the hospital environment plays in shaping a patient’s overall experience.
“These results reflect the dedication and hard work of our catering, facilities and domestic teams, who maintain the highest possible standards every day.”
The trust also ranked top nationally among large acute trusts in the privacy, dignity and wellbeing category, as well as in the dementia category.
In February 2025, the trust announced that its team of Admiral nurses would become a permanent fixture in its hospitals following the positive impact the service has had for patients, carers and staff.
Admiral nurses use specialist knowledge to provide emotional and practical support to people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.