NHS website allows patients to have their say

Aug 12 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

A new online service that allows patients to rate and compare hospitals went live yesterday. Health correspondent Helen Rae takes a look at the first day of the new website.

WE'RE all used to getting recommendations from those in the know when it comes to going on holiday or looking for a new restaurant.

But how about when you’re about to go into hospital?

A new website aims to give people looking for health services the same level of advice as you would get on other internet comparison websites.

Patients are able to rate and compare hospitals on issues such as cleanliness, car parking and waiting times.

They are also able to check mortality rates and the prevalence of superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile with a new web-based scorecard.

The facility, launched yesterday on www.nhs.uk , means patients can compare a range of hospitals. Users will also be able to read patient reviews on staff performance, the quality of the food, how involved patients felt in decisions about their care and if they would recommend the hospital to friends and family.

They will be able to look at a general scorecard which compares different hospitals, or look in more detail at specific treatments and procedures.

Every hospital in England is being asked to encourage patients to leave feedback on the NHS website, as well as responding to comments, in a bid to improve standards.

And the new service could have wide implications for hospitals trying to attract patients after the Government’s Choose and Book system was introduced – to give people the choice, where possible, of four hospitals for treatment.