I was pleased to this week visit Sevenoaks Hospital, which is operated by the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT). I was kindly shown around by the wonderful Ian Philip, Chairman of the League of Friends of Sevenoaks Hospital; Grahame Hardy, the Dementia Lead for KCHFT; and other senior members of staff.
Whilst we have excellent major hospitals just outside of our district, Sevenoaks Hospital plays a vital role in providing blood tests and pregnancy and maternal services. The hospital also has an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) and I heard first hand from Gemma Burgess the UTC Lead of the challenges they face with staffing. I will do all I can to support them with this.
It was great to hear about the important work the Friends of Sevenoaks Hospital carry out in fundraising and providing equipment and facilities for patients, including a refurbished tearoom decorated in dementia-friendly colours (as is the whole hospital).
My visit ended in the Sevenoaks Emporium - a vintage 1940’s themed convenience store and sweet shop with artefacts, antiques and other memorabilia – it even has its own wind-up 78rpm record player. Grahame Hardy was rightly proud of the Emporium and the positive effect it has on patients.
