A large majority of people believe that acute hospital services should be provided in every county, along with Accident & Emergency services, according to a new survey commissioned by the Health Service Executive.
96% of those surveyed said there should be emergency departments in every county and 84% want an acute hospital in every county.
While ease of access is very important to most people, a majority also support treatment in a specialist service, even if that means concentrating services in fewer counties.
The survey of over 3,500 people in their own homes shows that generally there is strong satisfaction with services and a high degree of trust in health professionals.
There was no difference in the speed of admission to a hospital bed for a public or private patient.
Of those with a recent outpatient experience, 23% were seen on time.
The family doctor is the best rated service and the most frequently used.
The survey was conducted by UCD and Lansdowne Market Research in 2006 and 2007.
