Our liver services have been rated as being among the best in the country.
We are the first trust in Kent, and one of only 20 NHS trusts nationwide, to have achieved full accreditation through the Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS) programme – the highest level available.
Awarded to our Hepatology Team following an assessment, the nationally recognised accreditation demonstrates excellence in:
- clinical effectiveness
- patient safety
- leadership and governance
- continuous quality improvement for the benefit of patients and the local community.
Patient experience was a particular strength highlighted in the report. Assessors noted how patients reported feeling well supported, listened to and actively involved in decisions about their care, how care is aligned with national best practice and that feedback is used to drive improvements.
The team has also reduced the number of patients being admitted to hospital by improving access to services and ensuring they get specialist care earlier through community clinics, supporting patients with alcohol related needs from day one, using a virtual ward so patients can continue their care in the comfort of their own home, moving some procedures to day case appointments to avoid unnecessary hospital stays and get patients home sooner.
Regular team huddles, quality improvement meetings and strong links with teaching hospitals and transplant units were also praised. Clinical areas were described as clean, welcoming and well maintained, with five-star cleanliness ratings displayed.
Dr Mohamed Saleh, Clinical Lead for Hepatology, said: “Achieving this important national accreditation is a significant milestone for our service and marks the culmination of a rigorous two-year improvement journey for the team.
“It reflects the dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment of the entire team to deliver a high-quality, safe and patient-centred service, both now and in the future. It is not about meeting the criteria, but about how we work together, continuously improve, and place patients at the heart of everything we do.”
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