British Government Watchdog Patient Survey Rate North Lincolnshire the Worst in Country

From the Scunthorpe Telegraph

Psychiatrists in North Lincolnshire are some of the worst in the country, according to a Government watchdog patient survey.

Mental health service users ranked the region's psychiatrists at the very bottom of a national league table for trustworthiness, respect and listening.

The Healthcare Commission survey findings are in stark contrast with steadily improving national results.

North Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) director of contracting Caroline Briggs, on behalf of the acting chief executive, said she was disappointed with the results.

She said: "It goes without saying that the psychiatrists feel badly our patients are generally dissatisfied with the service we offer and that we have done badly on a national scale."

They have promised a host of measures in an action plan to get the service back on track including keeping staff long term.

Half of North Lincolnshire PCT service users were unable to answer yes when asked if they had trust confidence in their psychiatrist.

Users also ranked psychiatrists at rock bottom when asked if they were treated with respect and dignity. One third did not answer yes.

And 45 per cent said their psychiatrist listened only 'somewhat carefully' or 'not at all carefully' to them.

The survey was carried out among patients at 69 NHS trusts around the country.

[...]