Something went wrong, sorry. :(

The trust, which provides acute care at several hospitals in East Kent, has failed to meet the four-hour national waiting time target in A&E every quarter since last August, when it was put

into special measures.

East Kent is also losing money and has agreed with Monitor to tackle its worsening financial position.

Historically, the trust has mostly been able to keep its finances in a strong surplus. However, last financial year it lost near to £8 million and it is now predicting that this position

will worsen this financial year.

Since last year the trust has refreshed its leadership team and has made progress engaging the staff in the day to day running of the trust. It’s encouraging to see the trust tackling the

key issue underpinning many of the problems which led to it being put into special measures.

Sue Lewis, Monitor’s Improvement Director at the trust, said:

Since the Care Quality Commission inspection last year, I have been impressed with the energy and enthusiasm staff have shown in making improvements for patients. This includes tackling

bullying and improving staff engagement.

Since the trust was put into special measures by Monitor, it has replaced the majority of its leadership team and has taken steps to improve staff culture. A new financial director has also

been appointed by the trust to address these challenges and ensure that the trust strengthens its control over costs.

Monitor will continue to work closely with the trust and support its efforts to improve, including in those areas which led to it being put into special measures such as surgery and young

people’s services.