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MTW celebrated at Healthwatch Recognition Awards

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been celebrated at the recent Healthwatch Recognition Awards receiving certificates in two award categories.

The first certificate was for the Patient Partners model in the ‘excellence in involving people in commissioning and delivery of services’ category. Our Patient Partner volunteers work closely with clinical staff to proactively gather the experiences of patients, and make proactive changes based on that feedback in real time.

The second certificate was for the Carers Card in the ‘excellent in listening to people’s views and thoughts about services’ category. The Carers Card was introduced at the start of the pandemic to support people with dementia and their carers when visiting restrictions were introduced. A similar card is now being created for families of ITU patients.

The Healthwatch Recognition Awards, organised by both Healthwatch Kent and Healthwatch Medway, in its first year celebrated the best in health and social care in Kent and Medway. 200 guests came together at the end of March to recognise the achievements, and hear ideas that they can use in their own work.

Collecting the awards on behalf of MTW, Patient Experience Lead Nikki Lewis said: “We are really proud as a team to be nominated and recognised for this work over the past couple of years. More importantly, our contribution to improving the outstanding care provided to patients, carers and visitors at MTW.”

Talking about the award, Robbie Goatham from Healthwatch Kent said: “We work with every single health and social care organisation in Kent to ensure that they are hearing your stories and using your experiences to improve their services. This bird’s eye view means that we see what’s working well, and what needs improving. Our Healthwatch Recognition Awards has given us the opportunity to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the best on health & social care in Kent/Medway. Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised.”