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Portal now gives parents access to children's health records
 Parents and carers can now request secure access to their child’s health records through our patient portal, giving families greater visibility and control over care.
Families can view appointment letters, clinic notes, and radiology results — including x-rays, CT scans and MRIs - all in one place.
Requesting access is simple via a new online form on the portal webpage. Once access is approved, parents and carers will receive email notifications when new information is available and can complete questionnaires to support their child’s treatment.
The portal, Patients Know Best, continues to grow in popularity, with nearly a quarter of a million registered users and more than 35,000 people using it every week. Patients are increasingly choosing to manage appointments online, receive reminders, and avoid time spent on phone calls.
As well as improving convenience for families, the portal supports faster care, reduces paperwork and cuts down on unnecessary hospital visits - benefiting both patients and the environment.
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Chief nurse appointed as visiting professor
Jo Haworth, Chief Nurse at the Trust, has been appointed as Visiting Professor by Canterbury Christ Church University in the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Allied and Public Health.
As a Visiting Professor, Jo will help shape academic development, contribute to teaching and curriculum innovation, and share her experience of clinical leadership.
She will also act as a role model for students, offering insight into career routes and what senior leadership looks like in today’s healthcare system.
Jo has already played a key role in supporting the University, contributing to the redesign of nursing programmes and the development of a new midwifery course.
Speaking of her appointment, Jo said: "It’s an honour to have the opportunity to work more closely with the University; not only to inspire the future nursing workforce but to be involved with an organisation whose research and innovation is helping transform care for patients in the future.”
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Conquering peaks for patient care
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A brave team from our Medical Infusion Suite recently tackled the Edale Skyline Challenge in support of the MTW Hospitals Charity.
The 20-mile hike in the Peak District involved a climb of more than 1,000 metres over difficult terrain, with the team battling snow, hail, blizzards, sunshine and 40mph winds.
Despite the gruelling conditions, they completed the challenge in under 10 hours and raised a whopping £4,500!
The team took on the challenge to raise money to buy a vein finder. Medical infusion patients receive medication, fluids or nutrients directly into their bloodstream via a needle or catheter and often need multiple treatments, which can take an uncomfortable toll on their veins.
A vein finder helps the nursing team to locate veins more accurately, making intravenous treatments for patients easier, faster and as pain-free as possible.
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Surgeon receives international award
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Guy Slater, has received an award from the American College of Surgeons in recognition of his work developing a course in caring for patients with life-threatening injuries.
Delivered by the Royal College of Surgeons, the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course is taught by surgeons and doctors specialising in areas including emergency medicine and anaesthetics.
A new edition of the course is launched every four years to ensure clinicians learn the very latest skills and techniques in life support. The latest edition, which ran for the first time in the UK last year at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, was developed under the direction of Mr Slater.
When presenting Mr Slater with the International Meritorious Award, the American College of Surgeons described the newly released edition of the ATLS course as “more relevant and impactful than ever before”.
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A sea of calm for children in theatre |
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 New wall and ceiling coverings have transformed Maidstone Hospital’s Short Stay Surgical Unit into an underwater seascape, making it a less daunting environment for our youngest patients.
Thanks to funding from the Maidstone Hospital League of Friends, a colourful marine-themed wall now brightens up the recovery bay used by children after surgery. Decorated ceilings in two anaesthetic rooms have also created a calm environment before they go in to have their operation.
The spaces have been hugely popular with families, offering children a welcome distraction and helping to reduce their anxiety around surgery.
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Recycling initiative saves thousands
Last year, the Trust become part of a sustainability scheme to recycle and reuse walking aids.
Since then, more than £18,300 has been saved as a result of over 5,000 returned and recycled crutches, metal walking sticks and walking frames.
Returned items are checked, cleaned, refurbished and re-used for future patients where appropriate. The scheme also helps us to reduce our carbon footprint and save valuable NHS resources.
Do you have an NHS walking aid that you no longer need? You can return it to one of the following drop-off points:
- Fordcombe Hospital: reception
- Maidstone Hospital: main reception (opposite the Security Office)
- Sevenoaks Urgent Treatment centre: main reception
- Tunbridge Wells Hospital: main reception
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Join MTW's upcoming Board meeting
 Our next Trust Board meeting takes place on Thursday 30 April at 9.15am.
Members of the public and staff are welcome to join the meeting in person at the Academic Centre at Maidstone Hospital, or online via Teams. The meeting link will be available on the Trust’s website from the start of that week.
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