downsmail.co.uk


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.”


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News Obese pupils


ONE in three children in Maid- stone is obese or overweight. Public health groups urged gov-


ernment to take action on the de- pendence on junk food and sugary drinks. NHS figures show that 18% of


Maidstone year six pupils were obese, ofwhich 3.7%were severely so.


Around 15% were classed as


overweight. Across England, the number of


severely obese year six pupils is at an all-time high of 4.2%.


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.


£15


Bird Nuts Spits


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Sun £15


Flower Hearts


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Insect & Berry Suet


Pellets 12.75Kg Sack


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