Medway NHS Foundation Trust is holding members’ events on 3 and 13 February, on the proposed integration with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
On 3 February, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, at St Peter’s Church Hall, Halfway, Sheppey, representatives from each trust will be talking about plans for the two trusts to come together and taking questions. A similar event is being held at Medway Maritime Hospital’s lecture theatre on 13 February from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Medway residents who are not yet a member of the Trust are also welcome to attend.
People who wish to attend should contact Rebecca Silverman to reserve their place by telephone on 01634 830000 x6761 or email bettercaretogether@nhs.net
Over the last year, the two trusts, which run Medway Maritime Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital, have been looking at joining together as one organisation. Senior doctors believe there will be significant benefits, including being able to offer local people a wider range of improved health services.
In September last year, following a detailed study, the two trust boards decided that coming together would benefit both hospitals and the patients they serve, and agreed to proceed with the integration process. Detailed plans are now being drawn up and will be submitted to several organisations for approval, including the Department of Health and Monitor, the regulator of NHS foundation trusts. The trusts aim to become a single organisation by the end of this year.
More information about the integration, including details of other events the trusts are attending; and an online feedback form can be found here:
www.medway.nhs.uk/about-the-trust/integration-with-darent-valley-hospital and www.dvh.nhs.uk/about-us/integration
