If you used the emergency services on the Island during January and March last year, you may be one of the patients involved in a recent survey, the results of which puts emergency care on the Isle of Wight in amongst some of the best in England.

In fact, the results of the survey sit the Isle of Wight in the top 20% in England for the overall standard of care, which we’re sure you’ll agree is pretty comforting to hear.

The Healthcare Commission who conducted a survey say 92% of respondents rated the care they received from the ambulance service highly. Pretty good start.

92% of patients also said they were given privacy when being examined or treated. Another important factor when receiving emergency care. The last thing you want when you’re in that kind of situation is to feel that people you don’t know or have nothing to do with the care you receive are listening in on your problems or concerns, particularly if they are of a personal nature.

97% of patients said they didn’t feel threatened or bothered by other patients. This might sound an odd one, but when you’re in a stressful situation, as emergencies often are, you really don’t want hassle from other patients or to feel in a vulnerable position.

90% of patients said they were treated with respect and dignity. Always an important factor.

Acting Chief Executive at Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust Sheila Paul comments:

“This is yet another demonstration of how much Islanders value their Ambulance and A&E services which are such an important part of ‘team NHS’ on the Island. Feedback from patients is very important to us and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to complete this survey.”

You might find it amazing to hear that the Ambulance Service responded to 17,000 emergency 999 calls on the Island and 40,000 people attended the A&E department at St. Mary’s Hospital, Newport during 2007/08.

As we mentioned above, people who had been treated in the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s between January and March 2008 (850 in total) were surveyed.

Not everyone responded, but they had a 37% response rate which is very good for this sort of thing.

So, well done to the emergency services on the Isle of Wight, looks like you’re doing your job well and that patients recognise the effort!

Image: Auntie P

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