Brighton and Sussex below average in first FFT scores

This gave it a combined net promoter score from both A&E and inpatients of 46 for the quarter, which was below the national average of 64.

It also had a combined A&E and inpatients response rate of 9.4 per cent for the quarter, compared to the national average of 13.3 per cent.

The first dataset from the patient experience test was published by NHS England on 30 July, covering April, May and June.

For A&E wards, the trust scored 11 in April, 35 in May and 40 in June. The response rate was 6.2 per cent in April, 6.6 per cent in May and 7.8 per cent in June – the government has set a 15 per cent target.

For inpatient wards, it scored 62 in April, 64 in May and 65 in June. The response rate was 20.5 per cent in April, 14 per cent in May and 16 per cent in June.

The test is based on one question: “how likely are you to recommend our ward/A&E department to your friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?”

Patients are presented with six responses ranging from “extremely likely” through to “extremely unlikely”, which are linked to scores ranging from 100 through to -100.

Nationally in June 36 wards out of 4,500 across the country scored an overall negative figure, down from 66 in April.

Two of the trust’s wards scored negatively during the quarter, but these were generally accompanied by low response rates.

In May, the Howard 2 Ward at the Royal Sussex County scored -100, based on one response. 

In April, the Hurstpierpoint Ward at the Princess Royal Hospital scored -50, based on four responses.