01/06/2007

People 'happy' with local health care

Eight out of ten people in Northern Ireland are happy with the health and social care services they received last year.

The latest public attitudes survey was carried out in 2006 and involved interviews with around 1500 people.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey welcomed the generally positive findings but said that the survey also highlights scope for improvement.

He said: “This survey shows that progress has been made and that standards are high across many aspects of health and social care provision in Northern Ireland. Health and social care staff are to be commended for their dedication in achieving these standards, particularly during a time of change and upheaval in the health service.

“There is still much to be done, both in making further progress in areas showing a high level of satisfaction and in tackling the issues which the public have clearly said are of concern to them.

“I shall be looking for further improvements in the public's level of satisfaction to reflect the significant advances which have been made in access to services and waiting times.

"I shall also be looking for improvements in the public's level of satisfaction with the standards of food, cleanliness and privacy in hospitals and the effectiveness of the service in resolving complaints.”

For the first time, the survey has sought public views on tackling healthcare-associated infections, such as MRSA.

(JM/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 June 2015
Number Of People With HIV Almost Doubles In Ten Years – PHA
Northern Ireland had the biggest rise in new HIV diagnoses compared to the rest of the UK between 2000-2013, according to new figures. The number of people living with HIV has almost doubled over the last two years, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced.
04 October 2023
SF Support Public Sector Works Fight For Fair Pay
Sinn Féin Vice President and First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill has reiterated her party's support for public sector workers in their efforts to get fair pay.
03 September 2008
Changes Loom On Health Care
News of a radical shake-up proposed for health and social care in Belfast is not the only changes afoot as the way that health promotion is delivered across Northern Ireland is also being changed.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.