Patients are to be surveyed systematically for the first time about the care they receive in hospitals.
The Health Quality and Safety Commission in the Health Ministry has contracted with technology firm Buzzchannel to conduct the quarterly survey.
It has 20 questions covering subjects such as whether patients understand the advice they are given by their doctor, whether they are involved in decisions about their care and treatment and whether they are treated with dignity and respect.
The Government says the survey will improve care while giving the public valuable insights into services.
Results are to be published regularly from October.
