|
Community Engagement Update
December 2024
|
|
Macmillan Cancer Care Unit opens to public |
|
 Thank you to the Trust members and stakeholders who joined us at our public event on Friday 22 November, to visit our Macmillan Cancer Care Unit.
They had an opportunity to look around the ‘welcoming and friendly space’ provided in the unit and hear a short presentation from Vicky Kidner, Macmillan Lead Nurse for Chemotherapy/Matron for Cancer.
The unit is a purpose-built facility opened in September 2009, incorporating Lawrence Ward, Galton Day Unit, shared spaces, Macmillan Information Centre and staff areas.
In May 2024, the unit achieved the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) scoring five out of five in four standards. The report said the unit ‘exceeded the level required to retain the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark and is to be congratulated on this achievement.’
One visitor commented afterwards: "It was very informative and the staff are extremely conscientious and caring.”
Feedback from previous 'behind the scenes' tours of the hospital told us that members value these opportunities to visit different areas of the hospital. We will look to hold more in 2025!
|
|
New for 2025: Governor Coffee and Chat sessions
|
|
Meet your Governors and talk to them about what is important to you!
In January we will be launching new quarterly Governor engagement sessions.
Governors represent patients, members and local people, providing a link between them and the Trust. They would love to hear about your experiences and views in order to help them to represent you more effectively.
Come and say hello, have a chat and enjoy a hot drink.
Our first session will take place on Friday 24 January 2025, 12pm to 2pm in The Atrium (Level 2, Green Zone)
There is no need to book a place, but feel free to let us know if you are planning to attend so that we can get in touch if there are any changes to the date/time.
Up to date information about Governors and events can be found on our website.
|
|
Working with partners to support mental health |
|
The Trust's Engagement Team was joined in the hospital by Kent and Medway Talking Therapies on World Mental Health Day, to share information about their services with patients and visitors.
Kent and Medway Talking Therapies provides free and confidential NHS services. If you're feeling depressed or anxious, they can help you take steps to improve your mental health. You don’t need a diagnosis to refer yourself, and early support can make a big difference.
|
|
Patients test automated telephone system planned for Patient Service Centre |
|
|
The Trust is introducing a new Patient Service Centre, designed to improve the experience for patients and families when contacting us by phone.
Working with our partners at PwC, the Engagement Team has been gathering feedback from staff, patients, and their families through on-site and virtual engagement sessions. A total of 27 participants tested the system by simulating phone conversations and providing valuable insights on its effectiveness, user experience and areas for improvement.
Thanks to all members of the public who helped us with this important improvement to our service. A further phase of testing will take place in early 2025.
|
|
Supporting Veterans and their families on Remembrance Day and all year round |
|
On Remembrance Day, we took the opportunity to remind patients and visitors of our Veteran Aware accreditation.
Members of the Engagement Team held an engagement session in the main entrance of the hospital on 11 November to let people know how the Trust supports the Armed Forces community and their families.
Visitors were also signposted to the annual Act of Remembrance service which was held in the Atrium on that day.
We are planning to take part in the annual Medway Armed Forces Day in June 2025 - we hope to see you there!
|
|
|
Help us set our Quality Priorities for 2025 |
|
|
Join us on Tuesday 25 February 2025 at 6pm to share your views on the future of health care in Medway and Swale and help us set our Quality Priorities.
We’ll review progress on last year’s Quality Priorities and discuss plans for 2025/26, focusing on three key areas:
- Safe
- Effective
- Person-Centred Care.
Save the date - more details coming soon!
|
|
Visit our Charity Christmas Markets!
|
|
A year of listening and sharing: Engagement highlights of 2024 |
|
 |
|
This year has been full of achievements for the Engagement Team! Here's a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished:
-
265 attendees at our public events
-
21 engagement sessions held
-
52 people joined hospital tours
-
92 meaningful conversations held with our community
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2024 a year to celebrate! 🎉
|
|
|
Change NHS: a health service fit for the future
 |
|
NHS staff are working harder than ever to get services back on track, to get waiting lists down and consistently deliver the best care.
We know change is needed. But we also know that many of the solutions we need are already here, working somewhere in the NHS today.
|
Whether you have a little to say or a lot, your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes: a new 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to make the NHS fit for the future. Together we can fix it. We need your voice.
Go to change.nhs.uk to find out how you can take part.
|
|
SureCare Swale support independence with tailored care
The family-run business offers personalised care packages designed to promote health, well-being, and independence. Services include personal care, medication support, meal prep, home cleaning, dog walking, and accompanying clients to events, social groups, or even beach trips.
You can find out more on their website
|
|
Bright Shadow uses art to support people with dementia in Kent and Medway
They celebrate the joy, creativity, and strength of every individual, no matter the challenges. Believing art can improve lives, build connections, and challenge stereotypes.
Head to their website to find out more.
|
|
 |
|
Organ donation is the gift of life.
Grab some time to talk about it today with loved ones and add your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
This is the official record which specialist nurses check if a person dies in circumstances where organ donation is possible, so it’s important to register your decisions here and share them with the people you love.
Recording your decision takes just a couple of minutes online – click here to do it: https://bit.ly/4169cXu |
|
|
|
|
|
