PATIENT privacy, dignity and wellbeing could be improved at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals, the patient watchdog Healthwatch Dorset says.

The independent organisation recently helped the NHS gauge patients' non-clinical experience at a range of Dorset hospitals, by assisting with the health service's annual patient experience survey

While the survey result showed all Dorset hospitals assessed were rated very highly for overall cleanliness, other areas were noted as needing improvement.

Outcomes that need to be addressed and improved, says Healthwatch Dorset, includes food at Alumhurst Road (Nightingale House), St Ann's Hospital and Alderney Hospital.

The survey found that privacy, dignity and well-being could be improved at Christchurch Hospital and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Meanwhile, some wards at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, Dorset County Hospital and Poole Hospital were found lacking, according to Heathwatch Dorset, when it came to how dementia-friendly they were.

Each year, NHS hospitals are required to assess patient experience by conducting Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE).

Healthwatch Dorset volunteer officer Holly Drinkwater said: “PLACE assessments put patient views at the heart of the hospital assessment process.

"Our volunteers enjoyed taking part and we’re now looking forward to following up on the results to encourage real improvements to our local hospitals."

Healthwatch Dorset says PLACE encourages the involvement of patients, the public, and national and local organisations that have an interest in healthcare in assessing providers.

Another Healthwatch Dorset volunteer said: “It is great to be involved in PLACE, as helping to ensure a good environment really matters.

"The role is an important one, giving up some time to help patients is really rewarding and plays a small part in helping the NHS to improve.”

Visit healthwatchdorset.co.uk/volunteer to find out more about our volunteering opportunities on Healthwatch Dorset's webpage.