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Hospital in crisis over care patients


DELAYS in discharging med- ically-fit patients from Maidstone Hospital to suitable care are caus- ing problems for the hospital trust. Chief executive Glenn Douglas


told his board the key problems were a lack of nursing home capac- ity locally and a change in focus by social services, which no longer had staff based in hospitals to help. In- stead the service focused on pre- venting people attending hospital. He added: “Delayed transfers of


care” had risen in the past two years and become more evident since so- cial services’ reorganisation in April. He referred to patients who had completed the acute hospital phase of their care and required interme- diate community hospital care or residential/nursing home place-


ment. Trust chairman Tony Jones said


an efficient discharge system was essential, particularly with winter coming. The hospital has made Romney ward available to patients requiring care. The trust has also considered providing its own nurs- ing home capacity, but this had funding and staffing problems. The trust says the impact of com-


plex discharge needs had required escalation beds to be kept open, ad- versely affected length of stay and impacted on the use of agency staff. “The trust cannot continue with the current circumstances,” said Mr Douglas. It is working with social services


and Kent Community Health Trust to find solutions.


Digital health records to improve treatment


HEALTH records of allWest Kent patients, including almost 250,000 in the Maidstone area, are to be made available to professionals at the touch of a computer button. The aim is to help health and so-


cial care workers improve safety, speed and quality of care. The decision to buy and imple-


ment an IT system and infrastruc- ture to support digital sharing of care information and care planning has been made by the GP-led NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group, which now holds most local NHS purse-strings. The group says: “Patients expect


all their care providers to see the same information. They are frus- trated when they have to repeat in- formation they have already given to other care-providers.


“Patients also want to be more


involved in their care through ac- cess to their information.” A reduction is forecast in pa-


tients and carers reaching crisis and needing hospital care. A lim- ited first phase aimed at long-term conditions likely to need hospital admissions, end-of-life care plans and frail elderly should be opera- tional by March and progressed across West Kent in two further stages during a three-year period. The capital cost of the transfor- mational scheme is estimated at £4.56m for the first three years with £6m revenue costs – but the finan- cial benefits during five years could top £10m. It is seen as a key enabler to de-


livering the local NHS five-year plan for “Mapping the future”.


How the scheme works in practice


AN example is given of how the scheme would help elderly patient Mr Jones, who relies on oxygen kept at home to help him breathe. Subject to panic, he calls an ambulance but the team has no knowledge


of his history and has no alternative but to take him to hospital. However, with access to his computerised history, the crew can calm


him down and see that support is available from his son. His GP and care team see what has happened. The system informs re-


views of his care plan and enables changes to avoid similar incidents hap- pening in the future.


Books appeal


MAIDSTONEHospital’s League of Friends is appealing for un- wanted books for its bookshop. Anyone with books in good con- dition to donate can call Olive Burton on 01622 690343.


Light up a life


THE Heart of Kent Hospice’s Light up a Life services are at Sutton Valence School Chapel on Sunday, November 30 and The Friars,Aylesford on Sunday, De- cember 7. Both start at 4.30pm.


The Green Door offers a range of revitalising spa and beauty therapies for both women and men. With chic décor, calming music and subtle lighting, we provide a peaceful sanctuary in a busy world. Relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments in our waiting area or courtyard garden.


We are delighted to introduce Nichola Collins to our team. She brings with her a wealth of Experience from her 14 years in the beauty industry.


Find us at:- The High Street, Marden


Tel: 01622 832413 info@thegreendoorofmarden.co.uk


Maidstone South December 2014 5


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