PATIENTS receiving inpatient care in Torbay and South Devon have given positive feedback about their hospital experiences, with care rated an average of 8.4 out of 10 in the latest national NHS inpatient survey.

A total of 492 patients took part in the survey, which found particularly strong responses around how people were treated during their hospital stay.

Patients reported high levels of confidence in doctors and nurses, while also giving positive feedback on privacy, cleanliness, dignity and respect.

The results come as hospitals across the area continue to face pressures seen throughout the NHS, including high demand for services and rising numbers of patients with complex health needs.

Nicola McMinn, chief nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said the results were encouraging and reflected the efforts of staff and volunteers.

‘It is encouraging to see that patients continue to tell us they were treated with kindness, dignity and respect while they were in our care’, she said.

‘Our colleagues and volunteers work incredibly hard every day to support patients and their families, often in challenging circumstances, and it’s positive to see that reflected in the feedback patients have given us’, she added.

However, the survey also identified areas where improvements are needed.

These include providing clearer information about medicines, involving families and carers more closely in discharge planning, and ensuring patients feel adequately supported once they return home.

McMinn said the trust was taking the feedback seriously and using it to help shape future improvements.

‘We are pleased with these results, but we also take seriously the areas where patients tell us we can do better’, she said.

The annual NHS inpatient survey is carried out independently across England and asks patients about their experiences before, during and after a hospital stay.

The trust said patient feedback would continue to play an important role in identifying what is working well and where services can be improved across Torbay and South Devon.