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999 service still has to improve


THE ambulance service serving Maidstone has been told itwill re- main in special measures after 12 months of little improvement. England’sChief Inspector ofHos-


pitals, Prof Ted Baker, has told South East Coast Ambulance Serv- ice NHS Foundation Trust it must continue to get better after its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Professor Baker has recom-


mended that the trust remains in special measures, a category it was placed in a year ago. Despite a litany of critical conclu-


sions about service provision, staff were reported to be compassionate and showed patients kindness and respect. CQC inspectors assessed emer-


gency operations centres and emer- gency services.TheNHS 111 service providedby the trust has been rated as good. Inspectors found the trust had


made some improvements, particu- larly around reporting of incidents and staffing level. The CQC says urgent action is


needed:  in keeping complete and accu- rate recording of all 999 calls;  in protecting patients against risks associated with the unsafe use andmanagement ofmedicines;  to ensure there are enough clini- cians in each emergency operation centre at all times;  to investigate incidents quickly;


 to ensure all staff working with children, young people and their parents get appropriate training;  The trust must ensure patient records are completed, accurate and fit for purpose, kept confiden- tial and stored securely; The CQC found some areas of


good practice, including;  The trust’s mental health street triage service was found to be an area of outstanding practice;  The Hazardous Area Response Team was an approved training centre of excellence and offered training to external agencies. Prof Baker said: “I am concerned


that theprevious leadershiphadnot fully addressed longstanding cul- tural issues, in particular problems of bullying and harassment. “There have been deep-rooted


problems and the trust would now benefit froma period of stableman- agement to address these issues. “I amaware that there has been a


recent appointment of a new chief executivewho has considerable ex- periencewithin the ambulance serv- ice and should bring that renewed stability. The boardhave assuredus that they are focused on supporting the Chief Executive. "In the circumstances, I have ad-


vised NHS Improvement that the trust should continue to receive the additional oversight and support provided by specialmeasures until such time we can report on signifi- cant and sustained improvement.”


Sandwiches and surfing


NEWfriends were formed and surfing skills fine-tuned at a fun afternoon for older people inMaidstone. Eighty-four-year-old Evelyn Longley, fromShepway, was among 60


guests at the tea party atMaidstone Skills Centre in Senacre. She has not been


able to leave her home sinceMarch, due tomobility issues, but thanks to the free transport offered by Medway Norse and Garden of England Day Care she was able to attend with her daughter Jenny, who said: “Mumreally enjoyed herself and was able tomeet lots of new people. It’s been a really good afternoon.” The party includedmusic fromKent-based duo Swing Noir. There


were handy tips on surfing the internet for those wanting to brush up their digital skills, as well as a chance to vote online for the best gardens in Golding Homes’ Garden Competition. The event was hosted by Golding Vision – the community armof


Golding Homes’ housing association – providing an opportunity for residents who live alone to socialise with others and spark new friendships. For details of future events visit www.goldinghomes.org.uk


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Maidstone November 2017


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