Torbay cancer patients rate care among best in England for third year

People treated for cancer at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust have again rated their care among the best in the country – for the third year running.

The 2024 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey shows the Trust scored higher than the national average in all categories, with patients describing their treatment as compassionate, respectful and well-informed.

The survey, run by NHS England and overseen by a national cancer patient advisory group, involved 131 NHS trusts and had a national response rate of 50%.

In Torbay and South Devon, 299 people with a confirmed primary diagnosis of cancer, who received treatment between April and June 2024, shared their feedback. The Trust achieved a 59% response rate – well above the national average.

Patients gave the organisation an overall score of 9.1 out of 10 for their care, higher than the national average of 8.9, placing it 21st out of 131 trusts.

Respondents also reported high levels of confidence in their diagnostic process. Ninety-five per cent said they received information about tests in advance, while 89% said staff had all their patient information before their appointment, avoiding the need to repeat details.

Care teams were also highly rated, with 91% of patients knowing who was involved in their care and 96% finding their contact very helpful.

While no areas scored below expectations, the Trust says it will continue to improve services through local action plans.

Alex Atkins, Cancer Services Manager at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“I’m incredibly proud of the results from the latest national cancer patient experience survey. We understand how difficult and potentially life-changing a cancer diagnosis can be, and our team works with compassion and kindness to ensure all our patients are treated with dignity and respect while under our care and are kept informed of the treatment available to them and their progress at every stage.

“We work hard to improve our services and listening to our patients is important for us to continually ensure people have a good experience at Torbay and South Devon. This is the third year in a row where our results have consistently outperformed the national results, and this is something which everyone should feel proud of.”