The trust in charge of hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells has been rated as 'requires improvement' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Although Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust's (MTW) rating has remained the same since its last inspection in 2015, it has been set 17 'should do' actions to improve, a large reduction from 52 three years ago, and was set zero 'must do' actions compared to 18 previously.

Significantly, this means the trust has no serious problems that demand action by the regulator.

The CQC report, published on Friday, March 9, stated that inspectors had seen "significant and sustained improvement throughout the trust" and uprated it in the 'well-led' category from 'requires improvement' to 'good'.

Inspectors also noted examples of outstanding practice in urgent and emergency care, surgery, critical care services and services for children and young people.

The trust, which runs Maidstone Hospital, Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, and the Crowborough Birthing Centre, says it is "closing in on a ‘good’ rating."

MTW chief executive Miles Scott, said: “We are pleased that the CQC noted a number of significant improvements at the trust, as well as some outstanding practice.

“We know we have come a long way since our last inspection and I’d like to thank our staff for their unwavering commitment to their patients and the Trust. During their visits, the CQC inspectors praised staff on numerous occasions for their friendly and welcoming attitudes, and their shared vision and engagement.

“We are looking forward to moving confidently towards a ‘good’ rating, and looking further ahead, towards ‘outstanding’.