Patients in Northern NSW receiving treatment for cancer have reported positive experiences of care, according to a new independent survey.
Data from the Bureau of Health Information’s Outpatient Cancer Clinics Survey 2023, released today (Wednesday), shows 98 per cent of patients across Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) rated their overall care as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
All patients (100 per cent) rated the health professionals who treated them as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, and 97 per cent agreed that reception staff were polite and courteous, and that the health professionals were kind and caring.
NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said the report highlighted the importance of
compassion and kindness alongside clinical expertise in providing care which meets patients’ needs.
‘Receiving treatment for cancer is a stressful experience for both patients and their loved ones, and it’s so important to deliver care that meets both the physical and emotional needs of our patients,’ Ms Maisey said.
‘It’s heartening that our patients are reporting positive experiences while in our care, and our entire team, from our clinicians to our administration, cleaning and maintenance staff, should be proud of the service they provide.’
Patients who received care in Lismore reported extremely high levels of satisfaction with their care, with 100 per cent saying the care was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
Across the survey, the clinic received 11 results that were significantly better than the NSW
average, including 96 per cent of patients saying they ‘would speak highly’ of their care to family and friends.
All patients (100 per cent) at Grafton Base Hospital also rated their overall care as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, while 97 per cent said they were ‘always’ treated with respect and dignity, and that reception staff were polite and courteous.
Almost all patients (97 per cent) receiving treatment at The Tweed Hospital rated their overall care as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, and 98 per cent said the health professionals who treated them were ‘very good’ or ‘good.
‘When it opens next year, the new Tweed Valley Hospital will provide a state of the art integrated cancer care service, including a new radiotherapy service, meaning patients will be able to receive more of their treatment closer to home,’ Ms Maisey said.
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