PATIENTS being treated for cancer at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital highly rate the services they receive, according to results published by a national survey this month.

The annual National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, now in its eighth year, is designed to monitor national progress on cancer care; provide information to drive local improvements and to inform the work of groups supporting cancer patients, including the voluntary sector.

The survey was completed by more than 1,300 patients at the RD and E who had received a cancer diagnosis and attended the hospital in April, May or June 2018.

Questions included whether patients had been given information about support groups; if they had been sensitively told that they had cancer and if patients were able to discuss any worries or fears with staff.

Overall, the RD&E was rated 8.9 by patients when asked to score their care on a scale of zero (very poor) to 10 (very good).

David Thomas, Interim Chief Nurse, said: “We are delighted with this year’s National Cancer Patient Experience Survey results which continue to show the high level of confidence our patients have in their care. These results are particularly important to us as it shows us how our patients feel about the services and care that we provide.

“We work hard to maintain high levels of care and will take on board any feedback or areas of learning highlighted in this survey.”

Tina Grose, lead cancer nurse at the RD and E, said: “We continue to be proud of the care we provide for our patients. Our multidisciplinary teams work extremely hard to deliver patient-centred care, and these survey results are essential to enable us to focus on what is important to our patients.

“The feedback highlights the importance of the holistic approach to care, only achievable by working with our local charities Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) and FORCE.”