The CQC Found Waiting Times Increased Last Year

A survey recently conducted by the CQC demonstrates that patients are now waiting longer to see a doctor or nurse in NHS A&E departments across England. A survey was conducted, collecting the experiences of almost 46,000 people who had received care in A&E departments throughout 2012. The results showed;

-        1/3^rd of respondents waited more than 30 minutes before they saw a doctor or nurse (an increase from the 29% position reported in 2008, and 24% reported in 2004)

-        1/3^rd of respondents also stated that they waited more than 4 hours to be seen (an increase from 27% in 2008, and 23% in 2004)

-        Almost 25% of respondents who arrived at A&E via an ambulance said they had to wait more than 15 minutes before their care was transferred from the ambulance team across to the A&E clinical team

However, the results also illustrated that patients felt significantly more confidence in the A&E staff; claiming that doctors definitely listened to them, that medication requirements were explained to them, and that reception staff enabled them to discuss their conditions or symptoms in a private environment.

Image by KateJones365, Flickr

The CQC works to improve patient care with the 'Patients Stories' Report

Towards the end of last year, there have been some useful updates from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

A patients’ charity has been working with the CQC to help the organisation ‘root out’ instances of poor care. 

In November 2012, the Patients Association published a report called ‘Patients Stories’ which included testimonials from relatives or patients who had experienced unacceptably poor care. The report went on to reference the working relationship that is firmly in place between the CQC and the Patients Association – outlining how referrals or concerns about poor quality care that are shared with the Patients Association are then passed on to the CQC for serious investigation and follow up. 

The Patients Association receives over 8,000 calls each year; with individuals sharing their care experiences with the charity. Now such calls can support the CQC in the way in which they monitor the quality of services provided by all health and social care providers across England.

If you are a health care provider and would like help with your CQC registration, visit us at Words Worth Reading Ltd.