‘My Planned Care’ is the new digital platform providing up to date information and support for people waiting for a hospital appointment, operation or treatment.

The online platform allows patients and their carers to access information ahead of their planned appointment, operation or treatment through the touch of a button. Built in partnership with patient groups, My Planned Care is one of the latest measures introduced by the NHS to tackle the backlogs built up while the NHS has responded to COVID-19.

Anyone waiting for a hospital appointment, operation or treatment, can now go to the NHS My Planned Care Patient Digital Platform which gives them direct access to the latest average wait time information for their trust, as well as helpful advice and support whilst they wait.

MTW is leading the way in helping staff cope with stress and the pressures of the job by recruiting a new team and introducing a range of innovative wellbeing initiatives.

These include a specialist in-house staff Psychological Team offering support for staff who are struggling with work or personal problems and the opening of dedicated wellbeing lounges at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals. These offer staff a relaxing safe space to go to relax and recharge, have a hot drink and snack, chat with the Wellbeing Team about issues worrying them and get self help advice on topics including stress management and sleep. Acupuncture, art therapy, wellbeing lounges and massage chairs are just some of the initiatives offered to support the health and wellbeing of staff who have experienced rising stress since the pandemic.

Hospital porter Jonathan Baker brought music to the ears of parents Olivia Arnold and Adam Mellor when their young son Oscar was admitted to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for treatment.

Jonathan adapted the lyrics to the well-known children’s song “The wheels on the bus” to help reassure anxious Oscar. Singing “The wheels on the trolley” as he transferred the one-year-old between wards for treatment.

Oscar’s mum, Olivia said: “Jonathan sang to Oscar the whole way, making him smile and laugh – something his dad and I hadn’t been able to do in days.

“He was amazing, and really cheered up a very anxious mum and scared baby. He really was a little glimmer of light in a very scary and stressful week.”