Deep River and District Health (DRDH) is proud to share the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from patients through our digital experience survey, now in its second year of use. The results reflect DRDH’s ongoing commitment to listening to patients and continuously improving experiences across care settings.
Implemented in July 2023, the electronic survey tool gathers timely feedback from patients discharged from the hospital’s Emergency Department and Medical Inpatient Unit. The user-friendly, environmentally sustainable platform allows patients to complete a short online survey within 24 hours of discharge to provide valuable, real-time insights to help guide quality improvement efforts.
Since its launch, DRDH has seen consistently strong satisfaction ratings across all categories, with particularly high results for courtesy, respect, and overall care. In early 2025, 98 percent of patients reported being “always treated with courtesy and respect by nurses” in the Emergency Department, an increase from 94 percent the previous year. Similarly, 92 percent said they were “always treated with courtesy and respect by physicians,” up from 90 percent the year before. The percentage of Emergency Department patients who stated they would “definitely recommend” DRDH to family and friends also rose, reaching 90 percent. In the Medical Inpatient Unit, patients continued to express confidence in their care, with 92 percent reporting that they were “always treated with respect by physicians.”
Earlier this year, DRDH joined the Ontario Hospital Association’s (OHA) benchmarking initiative, which allows hospitals across the province to share and compare patient experience data. This participation will help DRDH identify further opportunities for learning and improvement as the program evolves.
Survey results are reviewed regularly through DRDH’s operational and governance committees, and key indicators are posted publically within the hospital to ensure ongoing awareness and improvement opportunities.
DRDH remains deeply grateful to every patient who takes the time to share their feedback. Each survey response helps uphold our commitment to providing an excellent, compassionate care experience, every time.
(Richard Evans)