(Horizon) April 16, 2015 - The overall hospital stay rating from medical and surgical patients has improved across Horizon Health Network facilities. The results from the second bi-annual Hospital Experience Survey indicate an improvement from patients in their overall rating of their hospital stay by five per cent from 76.9 per cent in May 2014 to 80.8 per cent in November 2014.

The bilingual paper-based survey is administered twice a year and allows Horizon to evaluate and improve on results in between the three-year survey cycle of the New Brunswick Health Council (NBHC). Results from November's Hospital Experience Survey also proved to be higher than the NBHC Acute Care 2013 Survey where Horizon's overall rating was 74.2 per cent.

"We are happy that the results are improving, but recognize that there is still work to be done to ensure all of our patients are satisfied with their care," said Margaret Melanson, Vice President Quality and Patient Centred Care at Horizon. "In order to better serve and understand the needs of our patients and their families, we need to hear their opinion as we strive toward our vision of Exceptional Care, Every Person, Every Day. The next survey will be administered during the month of May."

Overall, improvements were noted in 10 of the 13 areas measured in comparison to the May 2014 survey, including the overall hospital rating.  Other areas which improved were explanation of information, communication with staff - courtesy and respect, discharge information, safety, cleanliness and quality of food. Areas, which measured lower than May 2014 results included communications about medications, responsiveness to care and pain control.

In terms of equity based on preferred language of service, 97.7% of patients who preferred English as their language of service "always" received their service in English while 46.8% of patients who preferred French as their language of service "always" received their service in French.

"These surveys are important as we continue our focus on family and patient centred care and we aim to see improvements in all 13 categories," said John McGarry, President and CEO of Horizon. "The results help us better serve and understand the health-care needs of our communities."

In November 2014, more than 2,040 surveys were given to patients at discharge. From those distributed surveys, 1054 surveys were returned, representing a 52 per cent return rate. The survey is meant to capture the care experiences of discharged medical and surgical patients 18 years of age or older who spent at least one night in a Horizon acute care facility. 

Results of the October survey were presented in Miramichi on April 16 during Horizon's Board meeting and are available online at www.HorizonNB.ca  ( direct link). 

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Sarah Logan

Media Relations

1-877-499-1899

Media@HorizonNB.ca

www.HorizonNB.ca