04/01/2013

Satisfaction Tests Should Extend To GPs Surgeries

Patient and staff satisfaction tests soon to be introduced in hospitals should be extended to GPs surgeries, David Cameron has said.

A "friends and family" test, in which patients and staff are asked whether they would recommend a service, is being introduced into every hospital in England from April.

The prime minister says the principle should be extended to GPs' surgeries, district nursing and community hospitals.

Cameron said: "We still have a long way to go to raise standards across the NHS and get rid of those cases of poor and completely unacceptable care that blight some hospitals and homes.

"So, from April, we will introduce a friends and family test and patient-led inspections across all hospitals.

"The test is a simple measure but crucially will show whether there is a basic standard of dignity, cleanliness and respect."

The friends and family test for patients has been piloted in the Midlands and the east of England, with average scores increasing significantly since April 2012 (by 14 points on the 100-point scale used). A £50m incentive pot will be available for hospitals to support extension of the friends and family test.

(H/GK)


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