CARE for outpatients visiting Torbay Hospital is among the best on the country, according to the latest survey by the Care Quality Commission.

The comprehensive survey was conducted with more than 511 patients following their care at the hospital, which is run by South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

It asked patients questions about their experience of the hospital, with the results then plotted against every other acute hospital in England.

Nationally, more than 72,000 outpatients responded to the survey and gave feedback about their experiences of waiting times, hospital facilities, seeing a doctor or other members of staff, tests and treatments and prescribed medications.

Torbay Hospital’s Outpatients Department, which sees more than 300,000 patients each year, was rated as performing better than the majority of hospitals in the UK in nine areas of the survey, covering all elements of patient care from first appointment through to being discharged home.

These included top ratings for waiting times for a first appointment and the way staff explained the reasons for medical tests and results.

The Hospital also performed better than others in how patients were involved in decisions about their care, and how doctors listened to any concerns or questions.

And patients rated Torbay Hospital as one of the best when it came to giving support when leaving hospital, helping them to safely use any medicines, and ensuring they had access to ongoing professional support if needed.

Overall, patients’ experience of outpatient care placed Torbay Hospital among the best performing 20 per cent of hospitals in the country.

Among the patient comments captured as part of the survey, was particularly praise for the helpful and caring attitude of staff. One patient commented: “I always feel comfortable and safe. The staff are always really caring and helpful”

Another said: “How lucky we are to have such a wonderful health service.”

Paula Vasco-Knight, Chief Executive of South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Hundreds of people rely upon our outpatient services every day so it is absolutely vital that they can have confidence in the quality and accessibility of the treatment and care we provide.

“I am very pleased to see such positive feedback."