New survey data released on Thursday shows 94 per cent of patients rate their experience as good or very good at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital.

Results are on par with regional neighbour Bendigo, both higher than a 91 per cent average satisfaction rating in public care across the state.

Ballarat received similar ratings to state averages in aspects of care but there were areas where Ballarat patients were only marginally satisfied: about one in two patients felt their family or carer definitely had enough opportunity to talk to staff while 56 per cent said their health professional discussed their worries or fears.

BHS chief executive officer Dale Fraser said the survey was overall pleasing but it also highlighted where the hospital could do better.

“These results highlight the high standards of care and compassion that our health care professionals seek to achieve every day  While it is pleasing to see our results within the context of the state averages, we are always conscious of the areas needing improvement,” Mr Fraser said.

“We have mechanisms in place to seek constant feedback from our patients regarding the care they receive and are continually assessing how we can be providing the best care possible for our community.”

Adult patients admitted for same day and overnight stays were randomly surveyed in 2016, one month after discharge. Victorian Agency for Health Information received 599 responses from Ballarat and a 36 per cent response rate.

The report focusses on findings of 10 key questions influential in creating a positive experience for patients.

This included the hospital’s discharge process with 79 per cent of Ballarat patients satisfied with their experience.

Ballarat improved in both consideration for home situation and adequate service arrangements for discharge, both rating 76 per cent approval and up from 71 per cent a year earlier. The hospital also rated above the state average in all five discharge categories.

Ballarat and Bendigo were rated against like-regional health services in Albury-Wodonga (92 per cent overall satisfaction), La Trobe (92) and Goulburn Valley (81).

Sub-regional hospitals in the South-West (Warrnambool) and Western District (Hamilton) achieved 97 per cent approval ratings while 96 per cent of Wimmera patients were pleased with their experiences. 

Barwon Health in Geelong had a 93 per cent approval.

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