Patients rate Northumbria hospitals among the best in the country according to national survey

Patients at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have once again rated their hospital experience among the best in the country, according to the latest national survey.

The trust performed above the national average across all eight areas measured in the 2025 Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) survey. The annual assessments review non-clinical aspects of hospital environments, including cleanliness, food, privacy and dignity, and the overall condition of buildings. The survey helps drive improvements across hospitals, hospices and independent treatment centres delivering NHS-funded care.

The trust, which runs hospitals across Northumberland and North Tyneside, ranked top nationally among large acute trusts for cleanliness, food, and condition, appearance and maintenance.

The trust also saw an increase in the ward food category, which assesses factors such as choice, availability and quality. In 2025, new menus were introduced for children to offer greater choice, variety and options for those with neurodivergent needs. A new menu tailored for stoma patients was also developed following patient feedback highlighting the need for more variety to support recovery.

Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), the trust’s estates and facilities subsidiary, plays a key role in maintaining hospital buildings, facilities and equipment to support a positive experience for patients and visitors.

Damon Kent, managing director of NHFM, said: “We are incredibly proud of the results achieved in this year’s assessments. While delivering excellent clinical care is always our priority, we also recognise the important role the hospital environment plays in shaping a patient’s overall experience. These results reflect the dedication and hard work of our catering, facilities and domestic teams, who maintain the highest possible standards every day.”

The trust also ranked top nationally among large acute trusts in the privacy, dignity and wellbeing category, as well as in the dementia category, which evaluates how well hospitals and care facilities support the needs of patients living with dementia or cognitive impairment.

In February 2025, the trust announced that its team of Admiral nurses would become a permanent fixture in its hospitals following the positive impact the service has had for patients, carers and staff. Admiral nurses use specialist knowledge to provide emotional and practical support to people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.

Chief executive Birju Bartoli added: “Creating a welcoming and supportive environment is essential to helping patients feel safe and cared for in hospital. These results reflect the dedication of our staff who work hard every day to deliver the best possible experience.”