The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust – which provides specialist cancer care for the 2.4m people of Merseyside, Cheshire and beyond – has been rated one of the best hospitals in England for inpatient care for the fourth year running.
The Liverpool cancer hospital was one of just eight hospital trusts nationally to achieve the top overall rating of ‘Much better than expected’ in the CQC’s National Inpatient Survey 2022, published today.
Patients also rated it the best cancer hospital in England overall for inpatient care.
The National Inpatient Survey involved 133 NHS organisations in England and was completed by 63,224 patients nationally aged 16 and over who spent at least one night in hospital in November 2022.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s results relate to its flagship hospital in central Liverpool where patients aged 16 and over receive highly specialist cancer care including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplants.
Every patient admitted to the 11-storey Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool has their own individual room designed for their comfort with special features such as an en-suite bathroom, smart TV, fridge and reclinable chair to create a ‘home from home’ feel. Many boast spectacular views of the city landscape.
The hospital also offers an extensive arts programme thanks to funding from Clatterbridge Cancer Charity to support patients’ health and wellbeing including regular visits by musicians from Liverpool Philharmonic and Live Music Now, poets in residence, and artists from The Bluecoat Display Centre and FACT Liverpool.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre achieved the best scores in the country on five of the questions in the 2022 survey:
- Giving patients information about their condition or treatment
- Treating patients with respect and dignity
- Length of time on a waiting list before admission to hospital
- Not being kept awake at night by noise from other patients
- Not being kept awake at night by noise from staff
In total, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre scored ‘much better than expected’ on 20 of the survey questions, ‘better than expected’ on 11 questions and ‘somewhat better than expected’ on six questions. There were no areas where it performed worse than expected.
Julie Gray, Chief Nurse at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said, “We want every one of our patients to experience the very best care and to feel comfortable and well cared for throughout their stay. We’re delighted that patients have once again rated us so highly in the CQC’s National Inpatient Survey and want to thank everyone who took the time to complete it.
“It’s really important that patients feel confident in the team caring for them, are involved in decisions that affect them, and know they can speak up about any worries or concerns they may have. We really value feedback from our patients and are always looking at what we can learn from it to provide even better care in future.”
Paula Field, 56, from Ellesmere Port, has been receiving inpatient care at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool. Paula is being treated for breast cancer which has spread to her lungs and was admitted after she began experiencing pain.
Paula said, “The care has been perfect. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff have gone above and beyond to manage my symptoms, trying lots of different things until I felt more comfortable. I’ve even had a massage thanks to the Palliative Care Team.
“I really appreciate the private facilities with extra touches like a fan and free access to TV channels. But it’s the staff that make being here so pleasant. They greet you with a smile. Everyone from the domestic staff through to the consultants are so friendly.”
Image: Ward staff on the roof terrace of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool
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