The figures are the results of a survey, entitled, 'Public attitudes to Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland 2009', which examined the attitudes of people towards a range of Health and Social Care Services (HSCS) they had used in the last 12 months.
Welcoming the results of the survey, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “The Health and Social Care service is facing major challenges and these findings are a tribute to the hard work and commitment of health and social care staff, who work tirelessly to providing high standards of care.
“Health is the number one priority and I am determined to do everything I can to ensure delivery the best possible health and social care services for all patients across Northern Ireland.”
The survey found that, overall, 82% of respondents reported they were satisfied with the Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland at present. The proportion of respondents reporting they were satisfied ranged from 75% for respondents with experience of Community Psychiatric Services to 93% for respondents using Dental Services to 98% for respondents using Pharmacy Services to 100% for respondents using Day Centre Services for older people and disabled people.
The Minister continued: “I particularly welcome the findings that 100% of respondents using Day Centre Services for older people and disabled people, were satisfied with the service. I recently launched new guidance for care of older people, to ensure that they receive care of the highest order.”
Concluding, the Minister said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff working across the broad range of Health and Social Care services, who can be justifiably proud of themselves for the service and care they provide.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Public Health Information and Research Branch within the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety commissioned Central Survey Unit within the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency to include a module in the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey on public attitudes to HSCS.
2. The survey is based on a representative sample of adults aged 16 years and over. The fieldwork was conducted in June 2009 and during this time 1,173 computer-assisted face-to-face interviews were conducted.
3. Previous surveys were conducted in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Social and Market Research on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. This report includes comparisons with the 2006 results.
4. In this survey respondents were asked if they have had any direct experience of using any of a range of health and social care services within the last 12 months. Direct experience is where the respondent has used the service themselves or where they were directly involved in the service on behalf of a child or relative.
5. Further information is available from:
Public Health Information and Research Branch
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Annex 2 Castle Buildings
Stormont BT4 3UD
Tel: 028 9052 2520
6. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
