Beds in the garden and visits by pets to see patients are just some of the initiatives which have helped a Kent hospital become the first in the country to win top accreditation for its care of patients.

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury has scored top marks in all areas of practice.

Following an evaluation of the department and its team, it received the HU-CI and AENOR Certification of Good Practices in Humanization of Intensive Care.

It recognises the focus on supporting the wellbeing of a patient in a unit which can often be overwhelming and isolating.

This can include small details like helping them shave or brush their hair, to help boost their self-esteem and bring some normality to the hospital environment.

Hospitals with the accreditation often see patient stays shorter and decrease anxiety and depression.

The ICU at Tunbridge Wells received exceptional grades for its initiatives, such as a garden bed and having an open door so relatives can visit and feel involved, even bringing family pets with them.

Last year, Paul Osborne spent 82 days in the unit while being treated for a life-threatening form of pneumonia.

His wife Amy said: “The ICU team at Tunbridge Wells Hospital have been fantastic, their care and support during - and after - an unbelievably difficult time has been amazing.

“I was able to have flexible visiting, which helped me care for our two children.

“Paul’s ICU diary helped him look back on his time in intensive care, and had a lot of support from the dedicated occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology teams.

“He also benefited from the follow-up clinics after leaving the hospital. We are grateful to the whole team for looking after us – they made us feel like part of their family.”

Matrons at the unit Alexandre Marques and Alejandro Suarez said in a joint statement: “We are delighted to receive this important certification, which demonstrates the commitment of the ICU team to providing comprehensive, person-centred care and helping our patients take those important steps towards recovery.”