Heatherwood Hospital rated best elective care centre

The Ascot hospital received the highest average score in the country for overall patient experience in the latest National NHS Adult Inpatient Survey.

The annual NHS survey, published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), assessed the experiences of 63,573 patients across 131 NHS trusts who were hospitalised for at least one night in November 2023.

Former Heeatherwood patient who praised her care at the hospital (Image: Steve Turkington)

Between January and April this year, 1,250 patients from each trust were invited to participate, answering 55 questions concerning various aspects of their hospital stay.

Heatherwood patients reported an average score of 9.7 out of 10 for their overall experience, the highest of any individual hospital in the survey.

Angela Lawes, managing director of Heatherwood Elective Centre, expressed pride in the achievement, stating: "Heatherwood is a dedicated planned care hub which doesn’t face the same pressures as acute hospitals with busy A&E departments.

Former Heatherwood patient who praised his care at the hospital (Image: Steve Turkington)

"However, it is a huge achievement, particularly as a relatively new hospital, to be first compared to all other NHS elective inpatient hospitals across the country.

"The survey provided a wealth of information, including some areas for improvement which we’ll be working to address, such as providing more detailed follow-up information for patients when they leave hospital.

"The many positive responses are testament to the commitment of the Heatherwood team and reflect the ethos of all our dedicated Frimley Health staff, who work extremely hard to provide excellent care to our patients."

One patient summarised their experience at Heatherwood in the survey, saying: "The NHS has provided me with a superlative service.

"I shall be eternally grateful for all the Heatherwood staff, doctors and nurses who made my stay and operation a success.

Former HWD patient who praised his care at the hospital (Image: Steve Turkington)

"My surgeon has been nothing but professional, courteous and thoroughly knowledgeable throughout.

"An absolute credit to his chosen craft."

Heatherwood Hospital, a relatively new facility, was rebuilt alongside a prior hospital site and reopened in 2022.

Since its reopening, it has been formally opened by HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh and visited by two government health ministers, both of whom praised the model of care and the teams delivering it to patients.

In recognition of its high standards, Heatherwood has been accredited as a national surgical hub and a community diagnostic hub.