December 13th 2024: The results of the 2024 National Inpatient Experience Survey have been published, capturing the experiences of patients in public acute hospitals across Ireland. This year, over 12,000 patients participated in the survey, providing feedback on their care experiences in Irish hospitals during the month of May.
The survey revealed that the majority of respondents (83%) had a good or very good experience overall experience of care. The care experience at the TUH rated positively, with 53% of patients describing it as “very good” and 30% as “good.”
The detailed survey consisted of 52 questions, covering experiences from admission through to discharge during their recent stay in a hospital in order to find out what was working well, and where improvements could be made.
Compared to the 2022 survey findings, the 2024 results indicate an improvement in patients' overall care experience ratings, particularly in the areas of hospital admissions and discharges, with discharges having consistently received the lowest scores in previous surveys.
In all areas of this year’s survey the Hospital scored above or similar to the national average for all survey questions. This included how the Hospital and its staff dealt with admissions, and also in terms of how medical staff diagnosed, treated and cared for patients during their hospital stay.
As a result of the findings of the 2024 Patients Survey in Tallaght University Hospital following new measures will be introduced.
Communications
- Ward staff will continuously signpost patients, families’ carers to relevant information on the Quality Boards on each ward.
- Develop TUH version of HSE My health, My Voice leaflet which will include QR code access to Patient Advice & Liaison Service on the website advising how to provide feedback and access to TUH local surveys.
- Promotional stand for staff on the usage of the Patient Information Booklet to be scheduled twice in 2025 by key stakeholders and Patient Advice & Liaison Service staff.
Patient Engagement
- A pathway to support patients with serious hearing impairments and deafness will be implemented, including bi-monthly staff education sessions delivered during daily handovers and nursing huddles.
- Developing a programme of change to pioneer efforts in addressing the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in navigating the high-stress environment of an Emergency Department.
Despite overall positive feedback, patients identified a number of key areas to be improved including:
- Need to reduce waiting times for patients to ensure quicker admission to a ward.
- Feedback highlights the need to improve the quality of hospital food by offering greater variety for patients.
- Availability of food for patients outside of regular mealtimes (with the exception of tea and toast).
Commenting Ms. Áine Lynch, Director of Nursing & Integrated Care said: “The results of the National Inpatient Experience Survey help us to identify areas for improvement across the Hospital. The feedback gathered from our patients are valuable insights of their experience with TUH. The survey results help us in developing quality improvement plans to ensure we continue to provide our patients with a high standard of quality care.
Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer, Dublin Midlands said; “The 2024 results highlight that Tallaght University Hospital is delivering the highest levels of positive patient experience. Across all hospitals surveyed, there was consistent recognition of the care and compassion demonstrated by staff throughout our facilities. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff for their dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and for their continued efforts on quality improvement initiatives that enhance our services. Finally, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the patients who generously shared their time to offer valuable insights into their experiences with hospital care.”
For further information on the National Patient Experience Survey visit www.patientexperience.ie or follow @NPESurvey @HSELive #patientexperience #listeningrespondingimproving
