News
Survey highlights concerns around discharge arrangements
The results of CQC’s latest annual survey of hospital inpatients reveal that patient satisfaction levels have improved in the past year with a greater number of respondents rating their overall experience as ten out of ten. However, the results still indicate some aspects of patient care where people have a poorer experience. On a national level, people were more positive about their stays in hospitals, with most responses to questions also asked in the 2025 survey having improved or stayed the same. The majority of respondents were positive about their interactions with doctors and nurses. A high proportion of people surveyed (79%) said they ‘always’ had confidence and trust in the nurses treating them (up from 78% in 2024). Three-quarters (77%) said they ‘always’ felt that doctors included them in conversations about their care (up from 76% in 2024). The proportion who felt that there were ‘always’ enough nurses on duty has also increased from 58% in 2024 to 59% in 2025. Long-term trend analysis
of the results to this question indicates an upward trend since 2021, including year-on-year increases since 2022, when only 52% said this was the case. Although people’s experience of being discharged
from hospital has seen some small improvements this year, the results show it remains an area of difficulty for many. One in five (21%) respondents who thought it was necessary said hospital staff did not involve their family or carers in decisions about them leaving hospital at all, with a further 17% saying they were ‘not very much’ involved. Likewise, information and support for post-
discharge care continues to show scope for improvement. Almost a quarter of people surveyed (24%) felt they did not get enough support from health or social care services to help them recover or manage their condition after leaving hospital (compared to 23% in 2024). In addition, just under a quarter of patients waiting for elective treatment (23%) said they would like to have been admitted ‘a bit sooner’ and 19% ‘a lot sooner’ in 2025. Dr. Toli Onon, CQC’s Chief Inspector of Hospitals,
said: “Putting people at the centre of their own care is of fundamental importance, so it’s great to see this reflected in people’s feedback. However, the lack of progress in areas such as discharge arrangements and in people feeling they received enough support after leaving hospital is disappointing. There’s also been no real change to the proportion affected by waits to be admitted, highlighting how lengthy delays remain a reality for too many.“ Visit:
https://www.cqc.org.uk/publications/ surveys/adult-inpatient-survey
Green approaches to healthcare showcased at SUSTAIN event
The Green Healthcare Consultancy (GHC), University of Sussex, is inviting NHS and private healthcare colleagues to a face-to-face Innovation and Sustainability Showcase at SUSTAIN, University of Leeds. The University of Sussex Green Healthcare Consultancy Innovation & Sustainability Showcase will take place at the University of Leeds (Leeds General Infirmary) on Thursday 22 October 2026, from 10:00am. Visitors will be able to see and handle reusable healthcare products, meet manufacturers, and explore safe reprocessing, implementation and procurement, including leasing options that can significantly reduce upfront costs. Live cleaning and disinfection demonstrations
will cover anaesthetic masks, laryngoscope handles and video laryngoscopes, reusable eye protection, transparent respirators, ENT scopes, nail nippers and speculums. The event will also showcase immediate solutions for Washer Disinfectors, laundry, dryers, storage cabinets and existing laundry services for smaller items including theatre hats and microfibre cloths. Exhibitors include Hello Face, Tiny Air,
Mackwell Health, Eco Ninjas, Revolution Zero, Decitex, Bollé Safety, Elis, Room Twelve and Chestnut Polymers/Candee, alongside other UK and near-shore suppliers. The event is free to attend for healthcare delegates. To book, email
GHC@sussex.ac.uk
1 in 4 over-40s can’t name a single risk factor for dementia
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and affects around one million people across the UK, yet new research from the Alzheimer’s Society suggests many people remain unaware of the modifiable risk factors – such as high blood pressure and hearing loss – that could influence their chances of developing the condition. More than a quarter (26%) of people aged over
40 cannot identify a single modifiable factor that could increase their risk of dementia, according to a new survey. Just one in five (21%) adults aged over 40 were aware of growing evidence that up to 45% of dementia cases may be linked to factors that can be prevented, treated or modified. Researchers say midlife, typically between the
ages of 45 and 65, is one of the most important opportunities people have to support their future brain health by identifying and managing risk factors
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I October 2026
most significant modifiable risk factors. Only 24% identified high cholesterol and just 21% recognised hearing loss as a risk
factor.The Alzheimer’s Society is calling for greater public awareness of dementia risk factors, warning that too many people may be missing opportunities to support their brain health. Michelle Dyson, CEO at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
including obesity and high cholesterol. Yet the research suggests many people may be missing that opportunity. Less than a third (32%) of over-40s recognised that high blood pressure can increase dementia risk, despite it being one of the
“These new findings show that many people are not aware of the factors they can influence to help reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK’s biggest killer. As a result, millions of people are missing the chance to take simple steps today that could help protect their brain health tomorrow, from getting their hearing checked to managing their blood pressure. By helping people to understand their risks and the actions they can take, we have a meaningful opportunity to reduce the number of people affected by dementia in the future.”
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