Kentish Express Ashford & District
Inspectors praise staff as hospital keeps improving
Chief executive says changes will continue after better report
Inspectors praised hospital staff for their care in a recent visit to look into conditions at the William Harvey Hospital.
The Care Quality Commission carried out the inspection at the Ashford site last week as part of a review into the hospital, which was put into special measures after a damning report in March 2014.
They have since visited the hospital, which is run by the East Kent NHS Trust (EKHUFT), to inspect on changes being made to improve the care being provided to patients.
Last November inspectors found that the hospital was still “inadequate” for its effectiveness, and said the hospital “requires improvement” in its safety procedures, its responsiveness to patients’ needs and in how it is led.
That report did, however, point say the “caring and approachable” attitude of the hospital staff was “good”.
Now, health trust chief executive Matthew Kershaw said staff are continuing to work hard to improve standards.
He said: “The inspectors told us that they were impressed with how caring our staff were. The staff and I are particularly proud to hear that.
“It was good to have this recognition of the extraordinary work that our staff carry out on behalf of patients and their families.
“We welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate the positive changes we have made in hospitals in East Kent over the last two years and look forward to continuing our improvement.
“The CQC visit was robust and thorough. It will identify our strengths as well as areas where further work is required.
It is an important part of the trust’s improvement.
“We anticipate receiving the report by the end of the year. In the meantime, we will work hard to continue to improve the care we provide to patients and make the trust a great place to work.”
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