Patients give Royal Surrey A&E Highest Ratings for Cleanliness, Privacy and Dignity

The Royal Surrey County Hospital's A&E Department has received the highest ratings from patients for the quality of care. 

In the Healthcare Commission's 2008 Emergency Department Survey, 76% of patients rated the care as excellent or very good, which was the highest rating in all of Surrey's acute hospitals.

A and E Clinical Director Mark Pontin said:

"We are very pleased with the results of the Healthcare Commission's Emergency Department survey as it shows that we are delivering a very good service for our patients.

"The Royal Surrey's A and E department has consistently been one of the highest performing A and E's in the country and the results of this survey demonstrate that we are getting it right for our patients. 

"We see around 60,000 patients a year in A&E and it is thanks to our hardworking staff that more than 98% of those patients are seen and treated quickly.

"This survey shows that our patients are happy that they are seen quickly and examined by a nurse or doctor when they arrive at A&E.  Patients also feel they have enough time to speak to staff and are listened to and have their condition explained. 

"We have a dedicated cleaning team in A&E, which is clearly having a very positive impact as we have been ranked in the top 20% of hospitals in the country for cleanliness in the department.   We are also in the top 20% for treating patients with dignity and respect and providing enough privacy.

"There is some room for improvement but overall our patients and the public should also be very pleased with the results and can be confident that the Royal Surrey provides excellent emergency care for them."