A survey of patients undergoing radiotherapy in the South West has found that 98 percent are either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience of treatments and that 99 percent agreed that they were treated with care, kindness, dignity and respect.

The survey of over 600 patients at eight hospital trusts in the region carried out in May 2022 reports overwhelmingly positive results with staff praised for their professionalism, attention to detail and continuous support.

The results also showed that 94 percent of patients believed that the care they received in the radiotherapy department was very good and 95 percent were either satisfied or very satisfied with their pre-treatment CT scan appointment experience.

Findings of the survey have prompted regional Radiotherapy service managers to strive to improve services even further focussing on patient-centred compassionate care and timely communications.

Dr Charles Comins, South West Radiotherapy Network Clinical Lead said: “The positive results are testament to the hard work and kindness of our frontline radiotherapy staff, who are caring for patients coping with a particularly stressful time in their lives. We are continuously trying to improve our services and the patient survey is an important way of receiving feedback.”

Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England South West Medical Director said: “Excellent patient care is what every frontline clinician sets out to provide each day. These results and heart-warming feedback from patients will be a big boost to staff who are working tirelessly to look after their patients in the face of unprecedented demand since the pandemic.”

The South West Radiotherapy Operational Delivery Network thanks patients for participating in the Patient Experience Survey 2022 and will be carrying out its third survey in May 2023.