Health Minister hails ‘great strides’ made by hospital in improving care

The Health Minister visited staff at the William Harvey Hospital to see at first-hand the improvements being made to improve care for patients.

MP Philip Dunne rolled up his sleeves for the visit, which included meeting the Cardiac Catheter Lab where he was greeted by unit manager Teresa Lloyd-Jones and cardiology consultant Dr Richard Heppell.

Staff at the lab provide the specialist centre in Kent for carrying out surgery to unblock arteries to allow blood to flow to the heart.

Then Mr Dunne went to the Intensive Therapy Unit where he was welcomed by matron Jane Kirk-Smith and consultant Dr Jonathan Purday.

Finally he spoke to modern matron Lindis Harris and sister Louise Ruizin who provides special baby care in the NeoNatal Intensive Care ward, where he met newly-born triplets.

Mr Dunne said: “I saw at first-hand the great strides in improving the quality of care that the East Kent NHS Trust is making and the positive effect these changes are having on staff and patients.

“I enjoyed meeting and talking with a wide range of members of staff from across the hospital. It was very clear that everyone is passionate and united in their desire to continue to improve services.”

It follows the visit last week by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission, who will be releasing a report into standards at the hospital which is expected before Christmas.

Health Minister Philip Dunne visits staff at the William Harvey Hospital