Hospital trust in good health, say patient assessors

Inspection sees results above national average

Hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have been graded ‘good’ by patients who were asked to give their views.

Every year, annual Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (Place) inspections take place at every hospital in the country.

It measures how well privacy and dignity is delivered, the quality of food, cleanliness of wards, and general building maintenance.

This year’s results for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust were above the national average in all areas.

In the 2015 survey, the condition of Maidstone Hospital’s building scored below the national average.

Since then, the trust has completed a raft of improvements including finishing a refurbishment of the main entrance, plus redeveloping John Day Ward and the outpatients centre.

At Tunbridge Wells Hospital changes have included the development of the Medical Assessment Unit and redecoration of A&E.

Both hospitals were also praised for making sure build- ings met the needs of disabled patients and visitors.

Avey Bhatia, chief nurse, said: “We have put in a tremendous amount of work since last year’s inspection and are delighted to have made so many positive improvements for our patients.”

Jeanette Rooke, director of estates and facilities, added: “This year, we have exceeded the national average results in every category.

“We are very proud of these results which reflect the trust’s ongoing hard work and commitment to provide the best possible environment and services for patients and visitors.”

Priority House in Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, which provides acute admission wards for people with mental illness, was graded below national average for food on its wards, condition of the building and disability access.

The hospital exceeded the average standards in cleanliness, respect for patients’ privacy dignity and wellbeing and dementia friendliness.

‘We have put in a tremendous amount and are delighted to have made so many positive improvements for our patients’

Caleb with mum Beth and Shona Slingo Bass and Julie Clapham from Maidstone Birthing Centre; Caleb was the first child to be born there in 2011