Published on 1 December 2025
Young cancer patients and their families from Cheshire and Merseyside have again given the thumbs up to their treatment.
The sub-region has done better than the average for England in several of the criteria in the Under 16 Patient Experience Survey 2024.
The survey collects feedback from children under 16 and their parents or carers about cancer care in the NHS. Conducted annually, it supplements the adult-focused National Cancer Patient Experience Survey by addressing unique aspects of paediatric cancer care. The survey and aims to improve care and outcomes for young people by learning from their experiences.
Nationally, 759 responded to the survey out of a total of 3,434 eligible parents, carers, and children, a response rate of 22%. The rate in Cheshire and Merseyside was similar at 19%, with 42 responses complete out of a possible 218 eligible sample.
The overall average rate of care from parents and carers was 9.11 out of 10 exceeding the national score, with 87% rating their child’s care as 8 or more out of 10. 76% of children (aged 8-15) said they were ‘very well’ looked after for their cancer or tumour by health care (the highest rating they can achieve).
Cheshire and Merseyside outperformed national averages in several critical areas:
Finding out about the cancer or tumour/care and treatment
- 81% Parents or carers reported that they were definitely told about their child's cancer or tumour diagnosis in a sensitive way (the national average was 70%)
- 86% were definitely able to have questions answered after being told about the cancer or tumour (national average:85%)
- 89% were definitely offered clear information about their child’s treatment (national average: 87%)
- 79% of parents/carers report that the hospital where their child receives the most of their care was under one hours travel from their child's home (national average: 62%).
Care and treatment
- 72% felt there was definitely a suitable choice of hospital food (national average: 40%)
- 56% felt the hospital Wi-Fi always meet the needs of them and their child (national average: 42%)
- 45% of parents or carers reported that facilities for them to stay overnight were very good (national average: 35%).
Staff
- 85% Parents or carers felt they always had confidence and trust in staff caring for their child (national average: 83%)
- 83% of parents and carers felt staff were always sensitive to information shared with them when their child was in the room (national average: 77%)
- 83% said healthcare staff always shared information with children in a way that was appropriate (national average: 80%).
Involvement and support
- 74% of children, parents and carers felt they were definitely involved in their or their child’s care and treatment (national average: 69%)
- 55% of children, parents and carers said different hospitals providing cancer or tumour care always worked well together (national average: 51%).
In the previous year, hospital food was highlighted at a national level as an area requiring enhancement. Responding to this, the feedback received has been notably positive, indicating significant progress in this domain. Many parents, carers, and children have expressed satisfaction with the choice of food.
Furthermore, care and treatment, as well as access to care, saw a marked improvement, particularly regarding the ease with which families can contact the main member of their healthcare team.
Additionally, the provision of clear and comprehensive information about treatment options has been strengthened, ensuring that parents, carers, and children feel better informed and supported throughout their hospital experience.
The percentage of respondents indicating that WI-FI consistently meets the needs of both parents and children increased from 46% last year to 56%. This improvement reflects targeted efforts in this area, including continued collaboration with the North West Children’s Cancer Operational Delivery Network.
For more information and to view the full set of results, go to: https://www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk/