Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has thanked its staff after results from a key national survey have shown significant improvement, despite it being a time of unprecedented demand for NHS services.

The NHS published the results of its annual National Staff Survey this week – the largest survey of its kind undertaken by any public service. The results were based on responses made by 299,000 NHS employees between November and December 2015, as demand for NHS services was reaching record levels across the country.

MTW outperformed the national average in eight out of 32 key findings, as well as seven further areas where its staff experience places it within the top 20% of best performing trusts in the country.

The picture of overall improvement includes an increase in the number of staff who would recommend the trust as a place to work or to receive treatment, and those who believe the care of patients is MTW’s top priority.

The Trust, which employs over 5,000 staff at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals, and is one of Kent’s biggest employers, has thanked staff for their hard work and dedication in times of enormous challenge.

Richard Hayden, Deputy Director of Workforce, said: “Once again, I want to thank our incredibly hard working and dedicated staff. They ensure that patient care remains our top priority and help us to give the best possible care to the hundreds of thousands of patients we see year on year. The Trust is continuing to invest in frontline staff and services.”

MTW was also among the best (top 20%) Trusts in the country for ensuring staff had appraisals, carrying these out to a high standard and providing staff with relevant training, learning and development.

A further 10 areas were within the national average and six areas were below the national average with one in the bottom 20% (staff working extra hours). While this is an improvement on last year, the Trust is working with staff to help make further improvements with an aim of having no areas at all below the national average.

You can read a summary of the staff survey report or download the full version.

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For further information please contact the Communications Team, on 01622 228658 or email mtw-tr.communications@nhs.net