Epsom embraces the Trip Advisor era

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is publishing patient satisfaction ratings on its website.

The move follows the Prime Mininster’s announcement earlier this month that the government will require NHS organisations to publicly publish new data on performance and patient and staff views of services.

Patients can already give feedback on their hospital care, post an overall rating and say whether they would recommend the hospital to a friend on the NHS Choices website.

The Surrey trust said the publication of this information on its own website was part of a drive to encourage more patients to give feedback about the treatment they received at its hospitals.

Antony Tiernan, director of communications and corporate affairs, said NHS Choices was like the popular hotel comparison website, TripAdvisor.

“However, for us it’s far more important, with patients telling us directly about the care they’ve received from our doctors, nurses and other staff,” he said.

MP for Sutton and Cheam and minister of state for care services Paul Burstow said NHS Choices was an excellent resource.

“With so many people having access to the internet via computers and newer technology like iPads and mobile phones, it’s a simple way for hospitals like St Helier, Sutton and Epsom to get almost instant feedback on the care they are providing."

The trust is also publishing the ratings of other local hospitals to allow people to make comparisons. All ratings will be updated monthly.