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Hospital trust slammed in patient survey
The trust running Hemel Hempstead Hospital has been rated among the lowest 20 per cent in the country for its overall level of care in a patient survey.
West Herts Hospitals Trust was slammed by patients on aspects including cleanliness, confidence in doctors, and the amount of information provided by staff.
Just 27 per cent of patients rated overall care at the trust excellent, the lowest of all similar-sized trusts outside London, compared with an average of 42 per cent.
And one in ten patients wanted to complain about the care they received at the trust.
Out of a total of 62 questions, the trust was ranked in the bottom fifth in the country for 49.
The damning results have emerged in a survey carried out by the Healthcare Commission, an NHS watchdog.
The trust is currently in a state of upheaval, with full A&E in Hemel Hempstead due to close in October.
This follows the centralisation of planned surgery in St Albans, a move described as 'botched', and campaigners have called for wards in Hemel Hempstead to be reopened.
Trust chief executive Jan Filochowski, an NHS troubleshooter, was brought in last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Law over poor performance.
"We have made very significant improvements in performance across the board since the survey was undertaken last summer," he said.
"For example, in infection control, in improved access, in reduced A&E waits.
"However, overall the results are disappointing and it will be a key task this year to ensure we do better in the future, giving our patients as positive experience as we can."
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: West
