Patients continue to report positive experiences of inpatient care in Torbay and South Devon

Published: 26 August 2026

People receiving inpatient care in Torbay and South Devon continue to report positive experiences of their hospital stay, according to the latest national NHS inpatient survey.

The survey, completed by 492 patients, found particularly positive feedback about the way people were treated while in hospital. Patients reported high levels of confidence in doctors and nurses and gave positive feedback about privacy, cleanliness, dignity and respect. Overall, patients rated their inpatient care experience 8.4 out of 10.

The results come as hospitals locally continue to experience many of the same pressures being seen across the NHS, including high demand for services and increasing numbers of patients with complex health needs.

Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s encouraging to see that patients continue to tell us they were treated with kindness, dignity and respect while they were in our care.

“Our colleagues and volunteers work incredibly hard every day to support patients and their families, often in challenging circumstances, and it’s positive to see that reflected in the feedback patients have given us.

“We’re pleased with these results, but we also take seriously the areas where patients tell us we can do better. The survey highlights opportunities to improve how we involve families and carers, how we share information about medicines, and how we support people as they leave hospital and continue their recovery at home.

“Patient feedback is one of the most important ways we understand what’s working well and where we need to focus our efforts. We are already using these insights to help shape improvements with colleagues and partners across Torbay and South Devon.”

While the survey found many positive experiences of care, it also highlighted areas where further improvement is needed, particularly around information about medicines, involving families and carers in discharge planning, and ensuring people feel supported after leaving hospital.

The annual NHS inpatient survey is carried out independently across England and asks patients about their experiences before, during and after a stay in hospital.