Liverpool University Dental Hospital Listening Event Report, January 2024

This report details the results of Healthwatch Liverpool's Listening Event at Liverpool University Dental Hospital, part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT). The team spoke with patients, family members and staff and listened to what they had to say about their experiences, asking for feedback on what they thought was good, and what they thought needed improving. 35 patients completed or partially completed the survey. 

Findings: 

• The vast majority (57%) rated their experience as being 5 Stars (37%) or 4 Stars (20%), with particular praised  the helpfulness of the staff. 
• Approximately 20% had been seen within a month of their referral, of whom almost 6% had been seen within a week. 26% had been seen within 3 months and a further 23% had waited over 6 months.
•  A majority (66%) felt clear about their treatment plan. However, 11% were unclear and one other person was unsure.

Patients were asked about areas of improvement, and suggested recommendations, which included:

• The ability to  to contact the clinic reception directly by phone.
• Access to treatment spaces with additional privacy for patients who request them would also help to reduce anxiety for some people
• ‘up’ and ‘down’ arrows on the staircases to reduce the incidence of people colliding when moving between floors.