Results for the 2025 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) have been released, with the Royal Devon ranked 11th equal with Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and coming out on top for the wider South West Peninsula.

1,525 patients responded to the survey, an overall response rate of 58%. The national average was 48%.

Patients gave the Royal Devon an average rating of care of 9.1 out of 10.

Of the 59 questions, the Trust scored above the expected average for 35, an increase of 11 questions compared to the 2024 survey. No questions scored below the expected range.

Our patients told us we did particularly well at giving information about diagnostic tests in advance, ensuring privacy when receiving test results, treating them with respect and dignity while in hospital, and that our care teams and administrators worked well together to provide support.

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer said “The senior cancer team and I are extremely proud of this year’s results, especially the increase of 11 questions scoring above the expected average.

“This achievement is a direct result of the continued dedication of our multidisciplinary teams, and their efforts every day to provide the best possible care for our patients.”

Survey results will be reviewed against further qualitative feedback from patients and national bench marking, and planning will be undertaken to address areas for further improvement.

This is the fifteenth NCPES. The survey is sent to adult (aged 16 and over) NHS patients with a confirmed primary diagnosis of cancer, discharged from an NHS trust after an inpatient episode or day case attendance for cancer related treatment in the months of April, May and June 2025.

See the Royal Devon’s full survey report here.