Public Experience of Imaging Services
Download (PDF 503.9 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent designed a short question centred on local imaging services and if the need for masks caused a problem for patients to interact through talking or facial expressions. The question was shaped to enable them to understand the experiences of patients as the Imaging Department at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) had to implement many new processes and procedures due to strict national guidelines set by NHS England because of the Covid 19 pandemic.
After posting a callout across social media and on their website, they received feedback from 63 residents of Stoke-on-Trent. They identified the following themes from the feedback:
- There were concerns about claustrophobia which was not mask related
- While most felt that mask wearing was tolerable, for some it was not
- For some, staff wearing PPE affected the quality of communication
- Most responders felt that communication with staff was supportive and positive
The report contains four recommendations for the Royal Stoke University Hospital Imaging Department to review and consider. Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent will review them after 3 - 6 months to consider actions taken and strategies developed for the benefit of patient experience.