Does the L&D care? Census asks patients their opinion

That’s what bosses there want to know, so that they can improve services and give patients top quality care.

To that end they’re carrying out the biggest census of local public opinion by a single hospital, with more than 15,000 people being asked for their thoughts on the care that the L&D provides, and what aspects of care are most important to them.

The one-day census will be carried out on September 20, and patients will be asked for their views, good and bad.

The hospital says the census will take the form of a short questionnaire, which will be given to 500 inpatients, outpatients, staff, volunteers, local politicians, GPs and community groups.

The survey results will form the backbone to the L&D’s ‘Patient First’ programme, which is being led by new chief executive Pauline Philip and which will be launched on December 1 this year.

She said: “This hospital has been treating people for 70 years and has built a first class reputation in patient safety.

“We now want your help to make each patient’s experience the most important thing that matters.

“The survey is the first step to understanding patients’ opinion, and the results will shape our lifetime strategy for the next 70 years to give all patients the best possible experience of hospital care.”