Cancer care in Portsmouth area is rated by patients as '˜very good'

Thousands of people took part in the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, published this month, and were happy with the care they received from their GPs and hospital staff.

The figures, commissioned by NHS England, found patients covered by Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Fareham and Gosport CCG and South East Hampshire CCG rated their health services as 8.6 out of 10, which was very good.

The survey found 95 per cent of people in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport were given a contact who they could speak to if they were worried about their condition or treatment after leaving hospital.

Ninety-two per cent of people in Havant and Waterlooville also got the same service.

It also found 89 per cent of patients in Portsmouth were treated with respect and dignity while in hospital. In the Havant area, the figure was 88 per cent, while in Fareham and Gosport it was 86 per cent.

The data showed that 79 per cent of patients in Portsmouth, 78 per cent of patients in the Havant area and 77 per cent of patients in Fareham and Gosport said they were involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about their care.

Dr Paul Howden, the GP who leads on cancer for Fareham and Gosport and South East Hampshire CCGs, said: ‘There’s no doubt that, generally, the experience of people diagnosed with cancer appears to be relatively good.

‘But there is always more that can be done to improve the level of healthcare and support provided.

‘Our patients rightly expect the best care possible.

‘The fact that nearly nine out of ten respondents described their overall experience of care as “very good” is a tribute to all our dedicated staff.’