Solent’s hospitals and health buildings rated highly in patient-led assessments
Patients have praised the quality of non-clinical services provided across Solent NHS Trust’s hospitals and health buildings.
Annual data published by NHS England showed the organisation scored top in four categories in the region including food and privacy and dignity.
The PLACE (Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment) programme aims to promote the principles established by the NHS Constitution that focus on areas that matter to patients, families and carers.
These include putting patients first, active feedback from the public, patients and staff, adhering to basics of quality care, and ensuring services are provided in a clean and safe environment that is fit for purpose.
The 2023 results show Solent scored 100% in four areas:
- Cleanliness at Bitterne Health Centre, Southampton
- Ward food at the Western Community Hospital and Royal South Hants Hospital, both Southampton, and the Summerlee Unit in Portsmouth
- Condition, appearance and maintenance at Bitterne Health Centre
- Dementia needs being met at Summerlee Unit.
Mark Young, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “Solent has a team of amazing people who work so hard behind the scenes to make our premises the best they can be in support of our clinical colleagues.
“These high ratings from the public are testament to everyone who plays a part; from receptionists who give a warm welcome, cleaners who keep areas spotless, chefs who cook nutritious meals, engineers who keep sites running smoothly and everyone in between.”
Andrew Strevens, Solent NHS Trust Chief Executive, said: “We are really proud to have achieved these results as they demonstrate how we continuously strive to uphold excellent standards in terms of our patients’ environments and experiences alongside high quality clinical care.
“These patient-led assessments are invaluable to us as they let us hear through patients’ voices if we are supporting them in the most compassionate and comprehensive way.
“The feedback ensures that we are best protecting crucial considerations such as privacy, dignity and tailoring individual needs.”
Assessments covered St James’ Hospital, St Mary’s Community Health Campus and Summerlee Unit at Harry Sotnick House in Portsmouth, along with Bitterne Health Centre, Western Community Hospital and the Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton.
