Please be advised that the NHS is currently in a period of high demand for services and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals are seeing high volumes of patients through its Emergency Departments each day. We are aware that a number of our patients have experienced long delays to be seen and we do apologise for this but would like to reassure you that staff are doing everything they can to ensure that patients and their families are treated and cared for safely and effectively. On occasion it will be  necessary to transfer patients between hospital sites in line with our treatment pathways, and also  to make most effective use of all our inpatient facilities.

Since the beginning of January 2016, unprecedented demand on our emergency services has also resulted in some patients for planned (elective) procedures being cancelled prior to their operation date across a number of specialities.

Despite this, the Trust continues to be compliant with the 18 week standard and is doing everything it can to return the elective service back to normal as soon as possible and minimise disruption for patients. We apologise to all those patients who have had their procedures cancelled.

Some patients, where appropriate, are being offered surgery at another independent sector provider to ensure any delays to surgery are kept to a minimum. MTW is also committed to run extra operating sessions as soon as we can to bring patients in as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the Trust is also opening a new ward with 38 beds at Tunbridge Wells in March which will also help improve capacity in the longer term.

If  you have concerns about your care or treatment, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Team on 01622 224960 or email mtw-tr.palsoffice@nhs.net.

Please remember:

You can call NHS 111 when you need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

If you have a minor injury or illness, such as a minor cut or head injury with no loss of consciousness, you may find it quicker and easier to seek help at one of Kent and Medway’s Minor Injury Service or Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Care Centres.

You can also use the Health Help Now website or download the app, which helps people find the right service in Kent and Medway for their health needs, especially when they need medical help fast but it is not a life-threatening emergency. Health Help Now lists common symptoms and offers suggestions for treatment.