12 November 2009 - Statistical news release - Public attitudes to Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland 2009

The survey examines the attitudes of people towards a range of Health and Social Care Services (HSCS) they had used in the last 12 months. It also examines public attitudes towards health promotion messages, alternative treatments, the complaints procedure, the importance of washing hands, infections, and willingness to travel further afield for treatment.

Key Facts and Figures

• Overall, 82% of respondents reported they were satisfied (14% were very satisfied; 68% were satisfied; 14% were dissatisfied; 3% were very dissatisfied) with the HSCS in Northern Ireland at present. The proportion who reported they were satisfied overall is the same as in the 2006 survey.
• 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.
• A larger proportion of males (85%) than females (80%) were satisfied with the overall service in 2009, the same proportions as in 2006.
• The proportion of respondents that were satisfied ranged across age-groups, increasing from 79% of those aged 50 to 64 years, to 87% of those aged 65 years and over. In 2006, overall satisfaction ranged from 78% of those aged 45-64 years to 89% of those aged 18-24 years.

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:

6. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.