The outcomes of the 2021 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey show that patients across the Trust were well supported and informed throughout their experience from diagnoses to treatment.  The survey was completed by over 1,317 patients who attended North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) and the Royal Devon and Exeter (RD&E) Wonford Hospital.

The patients surveyed received a cancer diagnosis and received care in the months of April, May and June 2021.

Questions included whether patients had been given clear information about their diagnosis if they had been sensitively told that they had cancer and if patients were able to discuss any worries or fears with staff.

Our Trust scored above average in a number of areas, including:  

RD&E Wonford Hospital:

• 82% of patients said they were always able to discuss worries and fears with hospital staff while being treated as an outpatient or day case
• 71% said their referral for diagnosis was explained in a way they could completely understand
• 81% of patients said their cancer diagnosis was explained in a way they could completely understand
• 88% of patients were told they could go back later for more information about their diagnosis
• 70% of patient’s family, or someone close to them, was definitely able to talk to a member of the team looking after the patient in hospital

NDDH:

• 87% of patients said they were always able to discuss worries and fears with hospital staff while being treated as an outpatient or day case
• 73% said their referral for diagnosis was explained in a way they could completely understand
• 83% of patients said their cancer diagnosis was explained in a way they could completely understand
• 92% of patients were told they could go back later for more information about their diagnosis
• 73% of patient’s family, or someone close to them, was definitely able to talk to a member of the team looking after the patient in hospital

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “We are exceedingly proud of the results from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey this year. It’s so promising to learn that our patients have confidence in our cancer services. Our multi-disciplinary teams go above and beyond to provide the best possible care to our patients and this clearly shows – it wouldn’t be possible without them or the continued work with our local charities FORCE & ELF.

“As always, we will continue to analyse the feedback given. Hearing from our patients about the care they receive is instrumental in the growth and development of our cancer services, and enables us to better support many more patients in need.”

As the survey took place before our integration, there were two separate surveys across our acute hospital sites. The reports for the RD&E Wonford can be found here. The reports for our NDDH can be found here.