Hospital patients to be surveyed on quality of health service

University Hospital Limerick currently has the highest number of people on trolleys.

The Government, the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) are to gather information from thousands of patients on how the health service is running.

The National Inpatient Experience Survey will be asked of anyone aged over 16 who spends 24 hours or more in a public acute hospital in May.

They will be asked 52 questions about the care they received and have the opportunity to share their experience on a variety of issues such as confidence and trust in staff, their level of care, and to highlight necessary improvements.

Approximately 27,000 patients are estimated to be eligible to participate in this year’s survey.

In 2022, 44% of invited patients responded to the survey which, Hiqa says, showed the “strong desire of patients to talk about their experiences in hospital in order to bring about meaningful change".

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “Survey responses will inform quality improvements and the safety of our health service. It will no doubt enhance our understanding of patient safety culture in acute hospitals. I encourage all people who are eligible to participate.” 

HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said: “Improving healthcare services is a key priority for us.

“We know that the most successful approach to building a safer, quality healthcare system is when the health service works together with patients and communities.’’

Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) show there were 515 patients waiting for beds in Irish hospitals as of Wednesday morning.

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) again has the highest number of people on trolleys, with 102 patients.