Children and young people, and their parents and carers, were happy with the type of wards they stayed on and felt involved in decisions about care and treatment, according to the results of a national survey by the Care Quality Commission published today (Thursday 22 May).

Children and young people, and their parents and carers, who were discharged from the Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital between March and May 2024 were surveyed about their experiences.

Overall, 1,228 questionnaires were sent, with 297 responses, a response rate of 24%. 

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) performed 'better than expected' and 'somewhat better than expected' compared to other NHS trusts in the key areas of:

  • The waiting area - parents and carers reports (0-7 years)
  • Hospital ward - parents and carers' reports (0-15 years)
  • Pain - patients and carers' reports (0-15 years)

NCIC scored higher than average on these questions:

  • Children not being disturbed by noise from other patients in waiting areas (96% / 9.6 out of 10)
  • Children having enough food and drink in waiting areas (91% / 9.1 out of 10)
  • The type of ward children and young people were on for the majority of their stay (99% / 9.9 out of 10)
  • Cleanliness of rooms and wards (93% / 9.3 out of 10)
  • Parents and carers being able to stay with children and young people as needed (99% / 9.9 out of 10)
  • Staff taking time to listen to children's fears or worries (80% / 8 out 10)
  • Children being given enough privacy during care and treatment (93% / 9.3 out of 10)
  • Parents/carers being involved in decisions about their child/young person's care and treatment as much as they want to be (95% / 9.5 out of 10)
  • Children and young people being involved in decisions about care and treatment (92% / 9.2 out of 10)
  • Staff providing effective pain management for children and young people (87% / 8.7 out of 10)

Overall, the other results from the survey were 'about the same' as other NHS trusts. Some of the areas NCIC scored lower than average in highlighted the need for more activities for 8-15 year olds, written information about care at home, and more help for patients and parents/carers in understanding the next steps in their care.

Katie Raine, Lead Nurse for Children and Young People, at NCIC said:

“We’re really pleased with the results of the recent survey about our Children and Young People’s wards at NCIC. There’s a lot of positive feedback to celebrate, and it’s great to see how we compare with other NHS trusts across the country.

“Thanks to the helpful feedback from families, we’re already working on a new information page that will be easy to access while on the ward. It will include useful information based on what people told us in the survey.

“All medical and nursing staff undertake communication training as part of their induction, as well as ongoing training. We are also ensuring that contact details are freely available for senior nurses and medics, throughout our service areas, so that families can reach out to us if needed.”
 

National results are available here: Children and young people's survey 2024 - Care Quality Commission

NCIC results are here: North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust - Care Quality Commission

Benchmark results are here: All Files - NHS Surveys