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Care Quality Commission asks for Medway Maritime Hospital patient experiences ahead of inspection of Medway NHS Foundation Trust

The health watchdog wants to hear from patients about their experiences, good or bad, at Medway Maritime Hospital ahead of their next visit.

The information will help the Care Quality Commission decide what to look at during their upcoming two-day visit on November 29 and 30.

Bosses at the hospital in Gillingham have admitted there is still much work to do ahead of the inspection by the health watchdog. The last CQC inspection in March said the hospital was safer and making progress, but had to remain in special measures.

Cliff Evans has helped transform the A&E department at Medway Maritime Hospital
Cliff Evans has helped transform the A&E department at Medway Maritime Hospital

Last month, the trust announced it has formally extended its “buddying” scheme with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The agreement, which started in 2015 to support leadership and improve services, will now continue until next March.

Guy’s, along with Medway Clinical Commissioning Group and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, were involved in a mock inspection at the hospital in preparation for the CQC visit.

Inspectors have already held two ‘listening’ events in the hospital foyer to get feedback from patients, visitors and staff.

Chief executive Lesley Dwyer recently told the trust board these events had resulted in a “very focused approach” to preparations over the coming weeks and the executive team has agreed which areas will be given priority.

She added: “The results of the inspection were an improvement over the July mock inspection which was particularly pleasing given the external aspect to this inspection.

“However, a number of actionable items were identified, including some basic items still, and we will be adopting an agile approach to resolving these ready for November 29-30.

Lesley Dwyer chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Lesley Dwyer chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust

“Areas that require further work include equipment checks, infection control, medicines management, safeguarding, estates, clutter, storage, appraisals, duty of candour, understanding and knowledge of whistleblowing.”

In August, the General Medical Council named Medway on a danger ‘watch list’.

The hospital, along with 79 others around the country, has been placed under surveillance over concerns about patient safety and its ability to train doctors.

The GMC said it had taken the measures as part of efforts to prevent a repeat of the Mid Staffs scandal, where staff shortages meant some junior doctors were left to cope with vast numbers of patients.

To share your experiences with the CQC, fill out a form on their website or call 03000 616161.

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