Scottish NHS health boards are being given extra funding to continue working with a website that lets patients rate their NHS experience.
Patient Opinion is an independent, not for profit social enterprise whose website allows patients to share their experiences, both positive and negative, of health services. Health boards are then able to respond and use this feedback to make changes to improve services.
Health boards will receive a share of up to £180,000 from the Scottish Government each year, until at least 2017, to continue using the website to the best effect.
Since it was introduced in 2011, more than 100 changes have been made to services across Scotland in response to feedback. This includes changes to facilities, signage and food services.
Gina Alexander, Director of Patient Opinion Scotland said:
“We are seeing some great connections take place on Patient Opinion which really look as if they are breaking down barriers. These are often the best changes of all.
“People want to know that all their feedback is taken seriously and that it’s acted on, that credit is given where due and that things improve where necessary. Patient Opinion can provide a way for conversations to happen quickly and easily for everyone concerned and for things to be resolved as early as possible.”
Over the next two years Patient Opinion plan to develop the accessibility of the website, and their work within education to reach health professionals of the future. They have also been in discussions with Scottish youth information service YoungScot about the best ways to encourage young people to share their experiences of health services.
Royal College of Nursing Scotland Director, Theresa Fyffe, said:
“The most important people in our NHS are the patients. That’s why the NHS exists. So it is quite right that the views and experiences of patients shape the way in which NHS services are provided and further work by Patient Opinion in this field is a very important way to make this happen.”
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