Well in excess of two-thirds of A&E patients {70%} have to wait longer than the HSE’s target of six hours to be admitted to hospital, while 4% have to wait 48 hours or more.
That’s part of the findings of the Health Information and Quality Authority {Hiqa} and HSE‘s 2021 Inpatient Survey.
They surveyed 10,743 patients to enquire about their experiences of treatment in 40 Irish hospitals in the last year.
Patients despair often centred on emotional support, having sufficient time to discuss care and treatment options and on information on how to manage a condition as well as the opportunity for family and friends to speak to a doctor.
In terms of Covid, 68% said that they did not feel at risk of contracting the virus in hospital, however 9% “definitely” felt at risk during their treatment period.
However 83% described their experiences as either good or very good, so much so, that most patients had positive interactions with hospital staff last year. They cited respect, dignity, privacy, clarity and assistance as all being to a good standard.
81% of the patients surveyed said they “always” had confidence and trust in treatment offered at any given time by the staff in the hospital where they were admitted.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said it was encouraging to see that patients were continuing to have positive interactions with nurses and doctors.
“The survey findings also highlight that there is still room for improvement, and it is absolutely essential the health service listens and responds when patients share their experience.”
The results of the 2021 National Inpatient Experience Survey were launched this morning by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD. Find out more at https://t.co/2td0DhzeUV, @CareExperience or watch our animation at https://t.co/bmEICcoBVr pic.twitter.com/5vpeQbFPcS
— HIQA (@HIQA) May 9, 2022
