High rate of patient satisfaction reported in local hospital

The HSE said the results of its 2024 National Inpatient Experience Survey showed that 87% of respondents had either a "good or very good" overall experience of the care they received at the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar.

The detailed survey, which consisted of 52 questions, was conducted nationally in hospitals during May of this year with more than 12,000 patients participating.

A statement issued by the HSE on the Mullingar findings said that 58% of patients who completed the survey described their care experience at the hospital as “very good” and 29% as “good”.

The HSE said Regional Hospital Mullingar showed improvement in all areas since the last survey in 2022. This included in how the hospital and its staff dealt with admissions, and also in terms of how medical staff diagnosed, treated and cared for patients during their hospital stay.

However, despite overall positive feedback, patients identified a number of key areas to be improved, such as the lack of written or printed information outlining post-hospital care instructions, including what patients should or should not do after discharge, and the lack of information from staff about warning signs or danger signals to watch for after returning home.

As a result of the survey, some further measures will be taken to improve the service, including developing a Patient Advocacy Liaison Service, implementing mealtime policies and improving the discarge process.

Speaking on the results of the 2024 survey Regional Hospital Mullingar General Manager Margaret Kelleher said: “A number of areas for improvement were identified as a result of the last National Inpatient Experience Survey. We have used the 2024 results to develop quality improvement plans, to ensure patients’ priorities are being addressed going forward.

“Thanks to our patients we have this invaluable feedback. These results offer clear insights into what we are doing well and highlight areas where we can introduce new practices and measures to drive further improvement, ensuring we continue to deliver an excellent standard of care,” she added.

Dublin Midlands Regional Executive Officer Kate Killeen White said; “The 2024 results highlight that Regional Hospital Mullingar is delivering the highest levels of positive patient experience."

“Across all hospitals surveyed, there was consistent recognition of the care and compassion demonstrated by staff throughout our facilities. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff for their dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and for their continued efforts on quality improvement initiatives that enhance our services.

“Finally, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the patients who generously shared their time to offer valuable insights into their experiences with hospital care.”

For further information on the National Patient Experience Survey, visit www.patientexperience.ie