Study shows dissatisfaction with Tallaght hospital care

One-quarter of Tallaght residents are dissatisfied with the care provided by their local hospital, a new study shows.

Waiting times and the speed of care provided in the hospital were the main reasons for people's dissatisfaction, according to the study by the Department of Public Health in Trinity College.

However, 84 per cent said they would recommend the hospital to a friend and 74 per cent were satisfied with the care they received.

One in 10 people were on a waiting list for treatment at the hospital and one-third of these had been waiting for over 13 months. It was hardly surprising then, that a clear majority - 61 per cent - felt the length of time they were waiting to be very unreasonable.

Almost half of those surveyed had used the hospital’s emergency department in the previous year, and 54 per cent were satisfied with the care they received. The main reasons for dissatisfaction were long waiting times, slow speed of care and “a lack of cleanliness”.

Patient satisfaction with GP services was far higher, at 90 per cent, and a majority of people said they would prefer to have basic tests done at the GP rather than in the hospital.

The study, funded by the Adelaide Hospital Society and Tallaght Hospital, found two-thirds of household carers experienced stress in the previous 12 months, principally around issues of family, finances, illness, work and unemployment.

The report highlights the need to expand mental health services, including psychiatric, psychological and community support services, as well as enhancing existing GP availability and out-of-hours services.

Respondents identified the top three things about Tallaght as the shopping centre, parks and leisure facilities; the community spirit and neighbours; and public transport.

They identified the top three bad things about the suburb as the lack of amenities and activities for young people; anti-social behaviour; and crime.