‘At the top of our game’ Delight at new grading
One of Kent’s biggest health providers has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Care Quality Commission inspectors.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) which has its headquarters in Hermitage Lane, Barming, employs more than 5,000 staff and looks after patients in eight community hospitals across the county. It also runs six minor injury units.
The new rating puts it in the top three community trusts in England and is the only one in the south-east to have the top result. It was previously rated ‘good’. Paul Bentley, chief executive, said: “I am delighted and extraordinarily proud. Every day, our teams come to work and deliver our values – caring, aspirational, responsive and excellent – making sure every person we serve has the best possible care. The CQC’s report reflects this commitment.”
He added: “I am particularly proud of the way the CQC witnessed how caring our staff are and the strong and authentic culture we have of valuing our workforce.”
The CQC rates NHS trusts under five headings: safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led. KCHFT was rated as ‘outstanding’ in effective and caring and as ‘good’ in safe, responsive and well-led.
This inspection in April and May covered four of seven core services: sexual health, urgent and emergency care, community dental services and end-oflife care.
The CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals Dr Nigel Acheson said: “The trust’s determination to develop a patient-centred culture has improved services. This has ensured the overall rating has moved to ‘outstanding.’ “Staff spoke positively about the patient journey and striving for continual improvement. This was especially clear in urgent care and sexual health both rated as ‘outstanding.’ ”
The trust runs sites across Kent which include the Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and District War Memorial, Hawkhurst Community and Tonbridge Cottage hospital. It also operates a minor injury unit in Sevenoaks Hospital.