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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.”
Patient comments further underscore these positive results. Many praised the professionalism and compassion of team members, with one individual writing, “I felt cared for, respected, and well informed. Thank you.” Another patient credited the hospital’s diligence and collaboration for a life-saving diagnosis, sharing, “DRDH has a wonderful hospital that saved my life.”
Patients also commended the efficiency of the Emergency Department, noting the responsiveness of team members and thoroughness of care. One patient described their visit by saying, “Within minutes of arrival, I was assessed and seen by the doctor. The care was thorough, professional, and I was very satisfied with my treatment.” Feedback from medical inpatients was similarly positive, with one patient writing, “Thank you to all nurses, doctors, and staff for helping me get better quickly.”
“These positive results show the impact of our team’s compassion and professionalism,” said Janna Hotson, President and CEO of DRDH. “Every interaction matters, and our team consistently demonstrates the caring and excellence that form the foundation of a positive patient experience. We are incredibly proud to see these values reflected so strongly in the feedback we’ve received.”
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.
“Our digital survey has greatly improved how we listen to our patients,” said Meagen Boisvenue, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “It gives us meaningful data to celebrate what’s working well and focus on what matters most to our patients. All the feedback we receive, both positive and constructive, helps us make meaningful changes that improve the care experience for everyone who comes through our doors.”
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. 
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