18 October 2007
Despite years of investment, basic minimum standards of care are still not being met by many NHS trusts. This is the damning verdict of Which? as the Healthcare Commission publishes its Annual Health Check results.
While the results point to an overall improvement in services, Which? is angry that fundamental aspects of patient care – such as cleanliness, dignity and respect and the management of patients’ records – are still being neglected.
Which? health campaigner, Frances Blunden says:
“It is staggering that four trusts have been identified as failing every year for the past three years and it is disgraceful that so many NHS trusts should still fail to meet basic minimum standards of patient care.”
The consumer champion also questions the relevance of the Health Check to patients as the overall performance of a trust is often at odds with the conditions in specific wards.
Blunden continues:
“What does it matter to a patient that their trust is performing well as a whole if conditions on their ward are filthy, the food they are being served up is inedible or they are being treated by staff who apparently don’t care?
“Hospitals must start listening to the concerns of patients if they are to address the fundamental failings in the care they provide."
- Ends -
New research commissioned by Which? as part of its Impatient for Change campaign shows that:
Which? conducted 842 telephone interviews as part of GFK’s Omnibus Survey during August 2007. The sample was representative of the population of England aged 16+.
Which? would like to hear from people who have recently had to stay in hospital. Tell your story at www.which.co.uk/impatientforchange
The Impatient for Change campaign has been endorsed by a number of celebrities. We are happy to send you a list of their quotes demonstrating their support.
