Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2015/16

Foreword

The Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support are pleased to report the results of the first Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey.

This survey, which was jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support, asked people with cancer to provide feedback on their experience of the care that they received during the different stages of their cancer journey.

Around five thousand people responded to the survey, providing valuable information on all aspects of their cancer care - from presentation and diagnosis to the care they received after treatment. Some people may have received help from their family or friends in completing the survey and we wish to thank everyone who took the time to provide such helpful feedback.

The survey responses indicated that the vast majority of people (94%) say they had a good experience overall, 84% had access to a cancer nurse specialist and 87% felt that they were always treated with dignity and respect. This provides helpful reassurance that health and social care services are delivering high quality care across Scotland.

However, we cannot be complacent. The results found areas where improvements could be made, particularly around helping people access support for their wider emotional, financial and practical needs.

The results of the survey will help us better understand what is important to people with cancer as we work together to implement the Scottish Cancer Strategy.