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Rural hospitals shine in patient satisfaction

Western Plains App

Tyneesha Williams

21 August 2025, 3:40 AM

Rural hospitals shine in patient satisfactionPatients in country hospitals are happier with their care.

A new report reveals that patients in Western NSW public hospitals are more satisfied with their care than those in city hospitals, according to data from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI).


The "Adult Admitted Patient Survey 2024" found a striking difference, with 72% of rural patients rating their care as 'very good,' compared to just 66% of their urban counterparts.


For local nurse Charlotte Churchyard, who worked at Walgett Hospital and is now based in Dubbo, the findings are encouraging.



“As a nurse working in a rural emergency department it is encouraging and rewarding to know that patients here tend to rate their care higher,” she said.


"It makes you feel like the hard work we put in as nurses is worthwhile and meaningful to a smaller community."


Churchyard believes the highly connected nature of country communities is a major factor. 


“I think it’s partly because we often develop closer, more personal relationships with our patients,” she said. 


“In a smaller, tight-knit community, people tend to feel more comfortable and supported by the staff, and that connection can have a big impact on their perception of care.


"Sometimes people in rural areas may feel more grateful for the care they receive because they understand how stretched the resources can be. 


"They appreciate the effort we put into making sure they’re taken care of, despite the challenges."



She added that a strong sense of teamwork and dedication is also a key driver of positive feedback.


82% of rural patients rated the work of nurses 'very good', compared to 75% of urban patients.


However, Churchyard warns that despite high patient satisfaction, significant challenges still face rural health services. 


The remote location of many communities creates difficulties in accessing specialised care. 


"This can cause a delay in care as patients need to be retrieved and treated in metropolitan areas such as Sydney," Churchyard said.


"Having to rely on telemedicine to refer patients over long distances can cause a delay in care, especially for urgent cases so having more consultations to could help make a difference."



She also advocates for the expansion of telehealth services to provide more timely access to specialist consultations and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care.


Staffing is another ongoing issue. 


The high turnover rate in rural settings is driven by factors like isolation and limited career growth.


To maintain and build on the positive results, Churchyard suggests greater funding for staff - meaning more doctors and nurses - which would help improve wait times for patients. 


"Offering more incentives for staff and career growth opportunities would help," she said.


The Adult Admitted Patient Survey has been run annually since 2013 through mail and online forms. It identifies areas of strength and improvement in public health across the country.


The survey has seen an increase in responses from the Western NSW LHD in recent years, with 1810 patients surveyed from the district last year.


View the full report.