A campaign launched today aims to raise awareness of how patient feedback is helping drive continuous improvement in NHS services.

The Friends and Family Test (FFT) Spotlight Week will include a range of promotional activities across England over the next five days aimed at giving fresh impetus to FFT which has already gathered 17million pieces of feedback from patients.

The FFT is a quick and easy way for patients to give their views on their experience after care and treatment by their GP or dentist, in hospital or from a range of other NHS services.

This week’s campaign features a patient and insight conference in Leeds on Thursday and the announcement of winners in the FFT Awards, which will recognise outstanding work to listen to patients.

There will also be local events, advertising and a range of other activities such as information stands in public places.

As well as NHS England, many healthcare providers are getting involved, along with some local Healthwatch volunteers, hospital radio stations and patient groups to spread the word about how patients can improve services by having their say.

The Friends and Family Test is a simple question to gauge how patients – whatever their age, medical condition and background – rate their experience of NHS services.  It is quick, easy and anonymous and everyone has the opportunity to respond whenever they use the NHS.