MP calls for annual National Cancer Patient Experience Survey
Today in the House of Commons, during Health Questions, John Baron MP asked Anna Soubry MP, the Cancer Minister, about the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES). The NCPES asks cancer patients about their quality of care, and has been a useful means of showing the local NHS where patients are being well looked after, as well as where there are care shortcomings. To date, there have been two previous surveys (2010 and 2011/2012).
In the House of Commons, John asked,
“The Francis Report recommended the NHS be held to account on the Patient Experience it delivers. Given the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey is a potent tool in driving up the quality of care, will the Minister ensure the Survey is carried out annually and support the development of a CCG Outcomes Indicator Set indicator based on the results, in order to incentivise Clinical Commissioning Groups to improve the experience of cancer patients?”
The Minister replied that this was a matter for NHS England, but that she would ensure John’s recommendations were passed on.
Afterwards, John said,
“The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey is a vital yardstick through which the quality of care for cancer patients can be assessed. An annual survey would ensure that patients’ experiences are at the heart of cancer care, and I strongly encourage its adoption.”
“I also support the inclusion of an indicator within the CCG Outcomes Indicator Set, which benchmarks the performance of CCGs. This will compel the local NHS to take into account the results of the survey. This can only help patients.”
Ends
Word Count: 280
Date: 16th April 2013
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