Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Wishing our colleagues, patients, friends & those in our local communities celebrating, a peaceful Maha Shivaratri today and this evening.

Observed with fasting, prayer and vigils, #MahaShivaratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolising self-discipline, renewal and inner awakening.

Show our NHS some love this Valentine's Day! ❤️

A special thank you to all those working today caring for patients & keeping our hospitals running smoothly.

You can show your NHS some love every day, by choosing the right service for your needs, and saving A&E for life-threatening emergencies.

Today may be unlucky for some but not if you're subscribed to our Patient First newsletter!

☢️ first patient receives advanced new liver radiotherapy

🏥 our surgical teams perform 40% more gallbladder operations in a day

💜 taking action to reduce the risk of stroke

mtw.nhs.uk/patient-first

Congratulations to the Nursing & Midwifery Education team who won the Chief Nurse’s Team of the Month award for January!

The award was in recognition of the support they've given to our clinical teams during recent winter pressures.

They were presented with their award by Chief Nurse, Jo Haworth.

Blood tests reveal a lot about a patient’s health, are crucial in diagnosing many conditions and are often the last tests patients need before they can be discharged from hospital.

Celebrating the work of phlebotomy and phlebotomists from the wards to the community, today is Phlebotomy Day! 🎉

Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science! 🧪🫀👩🏾‍🔬

Thank you to the thousands of amazing women on our wards, in our laboratories, in our operating theatres, in our clinics and pharmacies, and working across our hospitals to help us provide outstanding care.

💬 "By sharing their lived experience or taking part in trials, stroke survivors can make a huge difference to how we deliver services now and in the future.”

Our Stroke Research team visited a local @thestrokeassoc.bsky.social support group to encourage stroke survivors to get involved in research.

Park and ride is a free, more sustainable way to visit our hospitals.

✅ Park your car at the free car park

✅ Jump on the free shuttle bus

✅ Get the bus back to your car.

More information, including bus timetables and maps of the free car parks: www.mtw.nhs.uk/park-and-ride

New, focused learning sessions are giving our teams insights into different aspects of paediatric nursing care.

The sessions are led by specialist nurses and are an opportunity for our teams to enhance their knowledge & ensure we can continue delivering high-quality care to our paediatric patients.

Help our hospitals by choosing the best service for you and your family, and saving A&E for emergencies.

If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, you can get fast, expert advice from:

💊 Your pharmacy

💻 111.nhs.uk

🤕 A minor injury unit

Find out more at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk

The Kent Oncology Centre cares for around 600 patients a day and provides some of the fastest access to cancer treatment in the country.

Thank you to our incredible teams who give expert, compassionate care and put patients at the heart of everything they do.

#WorldCancerDay

As we mark #WorldCancerDay, patients are benefiting from a major step forward in cancer care as the Kent Oncology Centre treated its first patient using liver stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR).

This means patients can now access specialised radiotherapy much closer to home.

Help us to help you this winter ⛄

❄️ Use the right service - it may be more appropriate to visit a pharmacist, or a UTC like the one at Sevenoaks Hospital

❄️ If your relative is in hospital, support them to get home safely and quickly

❄️ Get your flu jab if you're eligible.

Our Stroke team welcomed @thestrokeassoc.bsky.social to Maidstone Hospital last week for Stroke Prevention Day.

The teams spoke about the different risk factors for stroke, recommended lifestyle changes and talked about the importance of monitoring blood pressure.

Find out more: www.stroke.org.uk

🎓 Congratulations to Robyn Adams, Discharge Liaison Support Worker in the Transfer of Care Hub who has passed her Level 3 Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship with Distinction!

The Hub works seven days a week, arranging the recovery, care and support patients need once they leave hospital.

🏃‍♂️‍➡️ Clinical Lead for Stroke, Catherine Mandri, along with Clinical Specialist Neuro Occupational Therapist, Sarah Shipton, and Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, @eleanordoherty.bsky.social are taking on the Paddock Wood half marathon for our MTW Hospitals Charity!

⏩ Sponsor the team: ow.ly/qUnJ50Y5mKR

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Marcos Katchburian and Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist Heidi Furr developed and ran a study day earlier this month for therapists and doctors working with children with complex upper limb issues.

Read more: ow.ly/mmGa50Y5OxF

🖨️ 750,000 digital appointment letters sent

📧 £600k saved in postage

📱 220,000 patients signed up!

From appointment reminders to test results and letters, our patient portal is helping people stay informed and connected.

Find out more: www.mtw.nhs.uk/portal/

In 1986, 12 student nurses began training at what was then the Maidstone School of Nursing in Barming.

Forty years later, eight of them - including Bank Staff Nurse, Nicola Henthorn - reunited, acknowledging the impact of their training in Maidstone which set up their careers & changed their lives.

Falls prevention certificates recognise our wards for safeguarding patients through outstanding falls prevention practice and a strong culture of safety.

Well done to the 11 wards who received certificates in the last quarter!

#ExceptionalPeopleOutstandingCare

Today is #HolocaustMemorialDay, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau.

We remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions of others persecuted and killed by the Nazis.

May remembrance strengthen our resolve to remember the past & to protect the future.

“Because the learning was so closely linked to my role, it strengthened my practice.”

🎓 Congratulations to Rekha Brijmohan, Ward Manager for the Short Stay Surgery Unit and Admissions Lounge at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, who has graduated from Arden University with an MBA!

👏👏👏

Before any planned surgery, pre-operative assessments make sure patients are ready for their procedure.

You’ll now get a health questionnaire by email. Your answers will help us decide if you need further tests.

For some patients, this will save a trip to hospital, or mean a shorter appointment.

Can't make your outpatient appointment? 📅

Please let us know if you can't attend, so someone else can take your place.

📲 Over 17,000 people have already used our patient portal to reschedule an appointment.

Find out more at www.mtw.nhs.uk/portal

🤖 A surgical robot has helped a team at Maidstone Hospital carry out 40% more gallbladder operations in a day.

UGI and Bariatric Surgeon, Mr Matyas Fehervari completed the record number of surgeries as part of a high intensity theatre list.

Read more: ow.ly/Enz350XZvAh

Thinking of a career in healthcare? Work experience is a great way to get an insight into a career, & gain confidence and experience working in a team.

We have work experience opportunities during the Easter holidays.

The deadline is Fri 13 February.

Find out more: www.mtw.nhs.uk/work-experience/

Congratulations Alex - and thank you for your amazing work! 🙌

Nominate one of our exceptional people for an Employee of the Month award on our website: ow.ly/yznI50XX8Gh

"Alex’s commitment, problem-solving ability & determination to deliver improvements for patients & staff exemplify what it means to 'go the extra mile'."

🏆 Employee of the Month, Dr Alex Ashley developed a business continuity solution improving visibility, safety & flow in ED.

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Opened a study asking families about their experience of ICU care.

This is all thanks to the dedication and expertise of our Critical Care research team (pictured), researchers, clinical staff and partners - and our patients and their families - helping shape the future of care for ICU patients.

👨‍🎓 Supported PhD students with their studies, including e-PICs which focuses on patients' recovery after a prolonged ICU stay

❤️ Were able to offer the family of an organ donor patient the opportunity to be involved in research with the SIGNET study