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Hospital trust celebrates funding improvements


A HOSPITAL trust plunged into crisis over a £23million deficit two years ago has been removed from specialmeasures. In August 2016, Maidstone and


TunbridgeWellsNHSTrustwasput into the crisis category amid con- cerns over the funding gap for 2016 and 2017. The trust’s shortfall has since been


cut by £15million, after a change in the board sawits previous chief ex- ecutive Glenn Douglas step down andMiles Scott step in. Nextmonth, a staff switch-upwill


see senior doctors and nurses be given executive roles, in a bidto cre- ate a clinically-led trust. Mr Scott outlined howthe trust is


continuing to implement its clini- cally-led improvement plans, in a bid to be rated a good and then out- standingNHS trust. Mr Scott added: “The quality im-


provement approach adopted by Maidstone and Tonbridge Hospital while in specialmeasures has given the trustmore financial sustainabil- ity and has led to improvements.


“I amdelighted for our staff. This


is the result of somuch hardwork to develop sustainable, high quality services for our patients.” Ian Ayres, managing director of


Medway, north andwest Kent clin- ical commissioning groups, said: “I am delighted that Maidstone and TunbridgeWellsNHSTrust is out of financial special measures, and would like to thank all the staff for their hardwork in achieving this. StephenHay, deputy chief execu-


tive and executive director of Regu- lation, NHS Improvement, said: “This decision reflects the determi- nation and hard work of all staff at the trust over the last two years to delivermajor improvements in their financial performance. “While there remainsmore to do,


everyone should be congratulated for their contribution. “There is strong evidence to show


that high-quality care and financial grip go hand in hand. The trust must now maintain these improve- ments in financial management while improving the quality of, and access to, services for localpatients.” Glenn Douglas, pictured, now


chief executive of theKent andMed- way Sustainability and Transforma- tion Partnership, said: “We are seeking to provide safe, high qual- ity, joined-upandsustainable health and care services to meet the needs of people of Kent andMedway. “It is good to see Maidstone and


TunbridgeWellsNHSTrustmaking good progress on its journey of im- provement.”


News Firework date


THE Kenward Trust, the drug rehab centre based at Yalding con- tinues its 50th anniversary celebra- tions with a fireworks display on Thursday, November 8. The show will be held in the


grounds of the 18th century house, with gates opening at 4.30pm. The first rocket fires at 7.30pm. The dis- playwill be set tomusic. Tickets are on sale at www.ken-


wardtrust.org.uk or at the gate on the night. Prices are £8 for adults, £5 for children and family tickets are £20 each.


Music night


THE Maidstone Symphony Or- chestra is performing atMote Hall in the county town onDecember 1. They will perform the trombone


concerto by Gordon Jacob. Ticket prices range from £5 (stu-


dents) to £28. For details go to www.mso.org.uk or call 07817 429143.


Festivemakes


ACHRISTMASwreathworkshopis being held by Kent Wildlife Trust. Hosted by artist Jackie Brooks, it takes place onDecember 1. Tickets are £35 and for further in- formation, call 01622 662012.


A personal service at a time of loss


Michael Lawrence, and his son Robert along with Kim and Angela, are the team behind a family-owned funeral service that has been helping families across the Maidstone area for 40 years.


With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Funeral Service is a third generation business, experienced in caring for your needs with commitment and understanding.


At such a stressful time, they know it’s important to sit and talk to you about every detail and to assist you in making the often


Ashford Road, Bearsted, PW


4 Cavendish W y, Maidstone ME15 8


a 01622 260200


difficult decisions about how best to remember a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. With so many years’ experience, Family


Funeral Service has learned how to respond to the specific and different needs of every individual facing one of the toughest times in their life. This personalised approach includes the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the phone around the clock, as well as personal support to clients through the bereavement process.


Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved


one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements for the service can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a unique and meaningful service that


Find us at: Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Barming Maidstone ME16 9JN


01622 260210 Maidstone Weald November 2018 27


celebrates life. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our


office or your home, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that you will face and the options available to you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit and talk, and to learn about the services and venues available from someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.”


Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner


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