Your feedback is essential to help us see how effective our service is and give us information to plan for the future.
The Friends and Family Test (FFT) is an important opportunity for you to provide feedback to our Trust.
This information helps us see what we are doing well and where we need to make improvements.
The NHS FFT was created to help service providers and commissioners understand whether the people who use their services are happy with the service provided, or where improvements are needed. It is a quick and anonymous way to give your views after receiving care or treatment across the NHS.
Since its launch in 2013, more than 75 million pieces of patient feedback have been submitted nationally. The FFT has been rolled out across most NHS services, including community care, hospitals, mental health services, maternity services, GP and dental practices, emergency care, patient transport and more.
More information about the FFT is available on Friends and Family Test (FFT) - NHS.
Staff may offer you a paper FFT form or a QR code to scan when you attend to receive care.
You might notice a QR code or FFT link on emails and letters from your healthcare provider.
We may invite you to complete the FFT by text message if you are aged 16+, have provided a mobile number, and have recently used our services. You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time.
It is important to note that the FFT form is anonymous, so we cannot respond to individual comments or personal mental health concerns. If you need mental health support, please contact your care team or a healthcare professional.
Staff may direct you to scan a QR code with your phone which will take you to an online form.
You may prefer to fill out a card which you can get from your treatment team to complete and return to us in person or via freepost.
You can give feedback using FFT at any point during your care with NSFT. If you would like to, you can complete the FFT after each interaction with our services.
You do not have to provide feedback and choosing not to will not affect your care.
We want everyone to be able to feedback if they want to.
If needed, a friend, family member, volunteer or member of staff can help you complete the FFT using your own words. A carer is welcome to give their own FFT feedback response also.
You may translate the online form within your browser or ask a member of staff for a copy in the language you require.
Please ask your healthcare provider for a copy of the FFT form in easy read format if this style is preferred.
Teams look at the feedback they receive regularly and use this to identify any improvements they might need to make.
The overall FFT results for NSFT are submitted to NHS England and are published alongside other mental health trusts.
