A SURVEY, which polled more than 1,000 people in the South Worcestershire area on the local health service, has found that people's opinions of NHS staff are high.

The survey of 1,180 people was carried out in March this year and confirmed that nurses and therapists in clinics and hospitals are performing to a high standard of care.

Zana Collins, chief executive of Worcestershire Association of Service Users said: "We conducted the survey to find out if patients were getting a good local service. We invited patients to complete a questionnaire on a particular day when they visited health centres, dental access centres, physiotherapy sessions, community hospitals, patients at home and the health clinics at HM Long Lartin Prison."

Support

She added: "More than 30 volunteers from Worcestershire Association of Service Users as well as staff from the Primary Care Trust were on hand to offer support, if it was needed, with the form filling.

"The survey day was a great success and it was such a useful exercise to get patients' opinions of the services they receive. For example, 96 per cent said they were treated with respect and 94 per cent were given enough time with their health professional."

June Patel, director of nursing and clinical services, said: "I was really delighted and proud of my staff. The survey results were very impressive and positive, but I was not surprised, as I know we have a very professional group of nurses and therapists who are passionate about their jobs.

"Of course, we can't get everything right and there were a few patients who made negative comments, but there is always room for improvement and we will prepare a detailed action plan to sort these out."

She concluded: "We always welcome feedback on patient's treatment by our health professionals, either positive or negative."

Feedback can be left either through the patient advice and liaison service on 0800 917 7919, by e-mail to enquiries@swpct.nhs.uk or by speaking to a health professional.