Patients report significant improvements in their care at the Countess of Chester Hospital

Patients say their experience at the Countess of Chester Hospital has significantly improved, according to the latest national Adult Inpatient Survey, the main annual measure of patient feedback for NHS Trusts.

The results show clear gains across every area of care, with the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust showing a marked improvement from its previous position in the opinion of patients.

The Trust has risen 58 places overall in the national rankings to position 59 out of 131 Trusts. This represents a substantial year‑on‑year improvement in patient experience. It has also risen more than 50 places in several key sections of the survey, including admission to hospital, care and treatment, respect and dignity, and overall experience.

Patients rated their overall experience more positively too, with 80% giving a score of 7 out of 10 or above – the Trust’s best result in seven years.

The Trust performed better than the national average in six areas, including waiting times, the care and treatment received, respect for individual needs, and the kindness and compassion shown by staff.

The detailed scores tell an even more positive story, with improvements across all 12 categories of questions compared with last year’s results.

These findings come after a run of improvements at the Trust. Earlier this summer, improved CQC ratings in all three services it inspected were awarded, and the Trust has climbed the national NHS performance tables, rising from 133rd to 98th out of 134 Trusts since last September. Together, these results show that the changes made across the organisation are having a positive impact on patient experience.

Jane Tomkinson OBE, Chief Executive Officer, said: 

“Patients and families are at the heart of our organisation, and their feedback shapes the improvements we are making. This survey shows that those changes are impacting, with clear gains across every area. Colleagues work incredibly hard, and it is encouraging to see that effort recognised nationally. There is more to do, and we will keep building on this progress so every patient receives safe, kind and timely care all the time.”

Neil Large MBE, Chair, said: 

“These results are a testament to our dedicated staff and align with the improvements seen in recent inspections and national performance measures. The Trust is moving in the right direction, and the Board will continue to support the organisation as it works to improve care for our community.”

The Adult Inpatient Survey is carried out annually by the CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The latest survey, conducted in November 2025, reflects the views of tens of thousands of patients across the country and provides a broad national picture of patient experience. As the CQC’s largest patient survey, it offers the best overall insight into what most adult inpatients experience in hospital.