Young patients have their say in survey

The Children and Young People's Survey 2024 results have been published, with Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) performing well in comparison to other NHS Trusts.

The CQC survey captures the experiences of children aged between 0 to 15 years (and their parents and carers) who have been admitted to and discharged from OUH's Children's Services.

A total of 331 service users had their say and provided their feedback.

OUH scored nine out of 10 or higher in 18 of the 80 questions, including questions on cleanliness (9.1/10), privacy (9.3) and staff friendliness (9.5).

The Trust ranked as 'better', 'somewhat better' or 'much better' compared to other Trusts in nine questions, including 'somewhat better' for the question 'overall, how well were you looked after?'.

71 questions were graded as 'about the same', and none were deemed as 'worse', 'somewhat worse' or 'much worse'.

Children and young people reported that noise levels in waiting areas and on wards could be reduced, while parents and carers fed back that information provided by staff could be more consistent.

Penny Lennox, Divisional Director for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Trauma, Specialist Surgery, Children's and Neonates (NOTSSCaN) at OUH, said:

"We are pleased that our recent survey results have shown positive scores in various aspects of our Children's Services. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who provided feedback, as it helps us continually improve and deliver the best care possible.

"Moving forward, we will analyse the feedback and develop an action plan to ensure even higher standards of care and support for our children and their families."

Andrew Carter, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said:

"This patient experience survey is an invaluable opportunity for us to hear the views of our young patients and their parents and carers, and I am really pleased that the majority of these patients felt that they were well looked after.

"Thank you to all staff who work within our Children's Services and deliver compassionate excellence to our patients."

The 2024 survey underwent a large-scale redevelopment, including changes to methodology, sample months and the questions asked in the survey, meaning no historical comparisons to previous years are available.