Today Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti called for Medway Hospital to come out of special measures which it has been under since July 2013.
Addressing Health Minister Philip Dunne at Health Questions in the House of Commons, Mr. Chishti said:
“Since Medway Hospital was put in special measures it has made significant improvement.
“Mortality rates are down, the length of stay by patients at the hospital is down, there is excellent leadership and extensive investment in A&E.
“Does the Minister agree with me that it is the right time for the hospital to come out of special measures and will he join me in paying tribute to the excellent work of the staff at the hospital?”
In response, the Health Minister replied:
“I would like to congratulate my honourable friend for his role in championing Medway Hospital, which I saw for myself when I visited earlier this Autumn.
“I am aware that the CQC is in the process of re-inspecting Medway (Hospital) and will be publishing its findings in the New Year. And I would like to congratulate the trust on the improvements that have been made thus far which he has highlighted, including in particular reducing its average length of stay on admission wards from 11 days to 3 days.
Speaking after leaving the chamber Rehman said:
“I applaud the excellent work of staff management and leadership at Medway Hospital in helping turn around the historic deep problems at Medway Hospital.
“As someone who has lived in Gillingham and Rainham nearly all my life, I like all my constituents want to see an excellent hospital serving the needs of our towns.
“The recent progress report published by Medway Hospital “Aiming for the Best” and from having visited the hospital and met with staff on many occasions, I feel the Hospital with the support of the Government is ready to move out of Special Measures, and start a new chapter in providing excellent care for local residents, and I look forward to working with them to achieve that.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1) Link to the video of Rehman's speech: http://tinyurl.com/zte77m6