Cancer information support improves across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
A survey has found that more people who received cancer care in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire were satisfied with the support and information they received throughout their treatment.
Results from the latest National Cancer Patient Experience Survey showed that most of the 1,078 local patients who responded to the survey, were satisfied with the information they received following their diagnosis and during ongoing cancer treatment.
Overall, results showed that University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) scored above the national average for information about diagnostic testing ahead of patients’ appointments (95% and the national score was 93%), finances and benefits (80% with a national score of 72%); and advice about cancer spreading or returning (71% compared to a national score of 65%).
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) also saw above-average satisfaction rates for staff providing enough information on the support available (98% with the England average at 92%) and information about the support available in dealing with the immediate side effects from their treatment (91% with the England average at 88%).
Nationally, UHBW ranked 31st out of 131 trusts for the question ‘Overall how do you rate your care?’, an improvement from the 2023 survey results which saw the trust in 46th place.
NBT was ranked 77th for overall cancer care satisfaction but was placed fifth in England for a positive experience in providing patients with clear information about radiotherapy (94%).
Dr Glenda Beard, Cancer Lead for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board said: “These results highlight the dedication of our NHS staff who are working to ensure that people with cancer are fully supported from diagnosis through their treatment and into recovery. Receiving a cancer diagnosis impacts on so many aspects of a person’s life so I am pleased to see these results that recognise the support that people are having through this time.”
Professor Steve Hams, Group Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer, Bristol NHS Group, said: "We are working hard to deliver best outcomes for our patients across the Bristol NHS Group, including reducing the wait times for diagnostic test results - especially for those facing a potential cancer diagnosis.
"Since this survey was conducted, we've established two Community Diagnostic Centres in both Weston and Cribbs Causeway, delivering around 65,000 appointments to date. Patient feedback about both centres has been overwhelmingly positive; people appreciate the ease of getting to each location, with good transport links and free parking.
"We fully recognise there is more work to do to ensure patients receive their test results sooner and are committed to building on the positive experience these centres are providing."
In one area requiring improvement, patient satisfaction with wait times for diagnostic results fell by one percentage point from 76% in 2023 to 75% in 2024.
The community diagnostic centres have been running since April 2024, providing most diagnostic test results within six weeks with NBT delivering over 99% of results within this timeframe (0.97% against the Diagnostic Week Wait Standard) and 82.7% with UHBW (17.3% against the standard) in June.
Rachael Thomas, a South Gloucestershire resident who has bladder cancer and is being monitored and treated by staff at Southmead Hospital, said her experience in getting the information and support she receives during her care is exceptional.
“When I was diagnosed with bladder cancer it was such big news and a lot to take in. At the start of my treatment, I was given lots of information and this really helped me mentally, but it also provided the comfort I needed during this time. The information and support I continue to receive is exceptional and I am pleased to see the survey results show other patients are positive about the level of information support they receive.
“Equally I urge anyone going through cancer to seek advice themselves on the NHS England website. There are so many resources available, and I feel this has really helped me too.”
Other survey results for the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board area show 97% of respondents felt they were given enough privacy when they received their diagnostic testing results, and 99% said their care plan was reviewed and kept up to date.
The survey was overseen by the National Cancer Patient Experience Advisory Group and was completed by patients who were 16 years old and over.