Results of the annual patient-led assessments of non-clinical elements of care, such as catering services, cleanliness and waiting facilities are published today. 

Published by NHS Digital, Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) 2019 – England¹ involves local people (known as Patient Assessors) going into hospitals as part of teams to assess how the environment supports the provision of clinical care.

They assess such things as privacy and dignity, food, cleanliness and general building maintenance and the extent to which the environment is able to support the care of those with a disability and/or dementia.

The assessments take place every year, and results are published to help drive improvements in the care environment. The results show how hospitals are performing both nationally and in relation to other hospitals providing similar services.

The PLACE collection underwent a national review, which started in 2018 and concluded in summer 2019. The question set has been significantly refined and revised, and guidance documents have been updated.

The results from the 2019 report are therefore not comparable with the findings in any previous PLACE reports.

The PLACE Disability assessment² focusses on issues of access including wheelchair, mobility (e.g. handrails), signage and provision of visual/ audible appointment alert systems, hearing loops, and aspects relating to food and food service.

PLACE assessments are undertaken by teams of NHS and private/independent health care providers, with at least half of each assessing team made up of members of the public (known as patient assessors)³.

Today's report covers the assessments for 2019.

ENDS

Read the full report:  

Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) 2019 - England