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Community Engagement Update
December 2025
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A Christmas message from our Interim Lead Governor |
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As governors, our main role is to represent our members and to make sure the Trust is working in the best interests of patients, staff and the local community. We also keep an eye on how the Board is meeting its responsibilities and making progress against the Trust’s aims.
This year, many of us have been involved in a whole range of activities across the Trust. Ward Accreditation Visits continue to be a valuable opportunity for us to spend time in different areas, hear directly from patients and staff, and see good practice in action. We also took part again in the national Patient-Led Assessments of the Care environment (PLACE) programme, which give patients a direct voice on the hospital environment and help highlight where improvements can be made. Being part of these visits really brings home the impact that good care – and a good environment – can have.
One of the things we’ve most enjoyed most this year has been the relaunch of our Governor Coffee and Chat sessions. For everyone who dropped by while visiting the hospital, or made a special journey to share their experiences, we’re so grateful. Hearing your honest feedback helps us understand what matters to you and what you’d like to see improved, guiding us on where we need to seek assurance as Governors.
As we come to the end of the year, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our members, to those who attended events, and to everyone who took a moment to stop, chat and share their thoughts with us. And of course, a big thank you to all our governors for the time, energy and commitment they’ve brought to their roles throughout the year.
From all of us on the Council of Governors, I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
Tina Rowe, Interim Lead Governor
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Face masks are now mandatory in clinical areas |
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With flu cases rising rapidly in the community, patients and visitors are being asked to wear a face mask when attending the hospital.
We are introducing this important measure to help protect patients, visitors and staff from flu and other winter viruses.
You can pick up a mask at hospital entrances. Please use the hand sanitiser provided and wash your hands regularly during your visit. Further information is available on our website.
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Thanks for sharing views on our Visiting Charter |
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Earlier this year, we extended visiting hours across the hospital to 8am to 8pm, recognising how important it is for patients to have loved ones with them during recovery.
Alongside this, we introduced our Visiting Charter, to help create a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all.
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We recently conducted a survey of patients, visitors and staff. This feedback will help us identify any actions needed to support successful visiting and ensure the Charter works better for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who took part. We are now reviewing the feedback and will share the findings at a later date.
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Tell us what matters most
Our Quality Priorities are the key areas we focus on to make sure every patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate care. We know there’s always room to improve, and the best way for us to do that is by hearing from you - the people who use our services or see them through family and friends
Whether you’re a patient, carer, family member, or just passionate about improving local healthcare, this is your chance to share your thoughts and help shape the future of care at Medway.
We will be asking for your views and input early in 2026 on what our priorities should be for next year - more information on how you can get involved is coming soon!
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Coffee and Chat 2026
We will be running our popular Coffee and Chat programme again in 2026. This is your chance to speak directly to our Governors about the services at our hospital.
But don't need wait until Coffee and Chat to contact our Governors, you can get in touch with them at any time by emailing medwayft.governors@nhs.net
or calling 01634 825292
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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. |
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