According to this article http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/28/nhs-launch-tripadvisor-style-website?CMP=twt_gu the government intend to introduce a Tripadvisor type service to the NHS having trialled it for several months in parts of London and the north-east.
In the past I’ve had reason to both complain about and praise the care I’ve received within the NHS and have done so either directly or by using the excellent and independent website www.patientopinion.org.uk and usually had a satisfactory outcome. I feel the introduction of a “Tripadvisor” style system perpetuates the notion that we are consumers of healthcare and not simply patients. I don’t want to feel that my admission to hospital should be distilled into a star rating as though I was going to a restaurant for the evening. Perhaps this government is preparing the ground for the time when we have to pay for our treatment.
What are your thoughts? If you’ve experienced poor care or complaints you’ve made have been poorly handled let me know how you’d prefer to report and resolve those issues.
Ridiculous to reduce caring and tending to the sick, to a star rating! Totally agree with you!
I’ve had the full range of care…from great, through adequate, and on to bloody awful! Making appropriate comments, and complaints where necessary, is the only way to get real action and improvement. Star ratings
only produce ‘averages’ and can easily be hidden behind.
Just thought I’d add the thoughts of Paul Hodgkin, Chief Executive of http://www.patientopion.org.uk
https://www.patientopinion.org.uk/blogposts/187/care-connect-there-is-a-better-way