The seventh National Inpatient Experience Survey takes place in May 2026. It is a nationwide survey asking patients about their recent experience in hospital. The survey aims to learn from patient’s feedback in order to improve hospital care.
People who spend a minimum of 24 hours in a public hospital during the month of May will be invited to take part in the survey by SMS text message and post in June and July 2026.
All 40 public hospitals from six HSE health regions participate in the National Inpatient Experience Survey. Click below to find out more.
The National Inpatient Experience Survey contains 53 questions, which have been determined following a rigorous selection process. Click below to learn more about what is involved in conducting the survey and to view the questionnaire.
Read our frequently asked questions or contact the survey team.
The timeline below describes the four most important phases in the National Inpatient Experience Survey cycle.
All patients aged 16 years or older, who spend 24 hours or more in a public hospital and are discharged during the month of May will be invited to participate.
View participating hospitals
Invitations will be sent by SMS text message from CareSurvey in May, June and July 2026. The text message will contain a link to complete the online survey. A week later, a second SMS text message will be sent to those that have not yet completed the survey. Two weeks after the initial SMS text message, a paper copy of the survey will be sent. People may request a paper copy of the survey at any stage during the survey period.
In July 2026 the survey will close. The results are then analysed and the reports prepared for publication.
Reports are published in December 2026. Click on the link below to see previous results. Survey findings are published on yourexperience.ie.
National Results
The HSE and individual hospitals respond to the survey results by developing hospital initiatives.
All patients aged 16 years or older, who spend 24 hours or more in a public hospital and are discharged during the month of May will be invited to participate.
View participating hospitals
Invitations will be sent by SMS text message from CareSurvey in May, June and July 2026. The text message will contain a link to complete the online survey. A week later, a second SMS text message will be sent to those that have not yet completed the survey. Two weeks after the initial SMS text message, a paper copy of the survey will be sent. People may request a paper copy of the survey at any stage during the survey period.
In July 2026 the survey will close. The results are then analysed and the reports prepared for publication.
Reports are published in December 2026. Click on the link below to see previous results. Survey findings are published on yourexperience.ie.
National Results
The HSE and individual hospitals respond to the survey results by developing hospital initiatives.