Thousands of people across Kent and Medway are being offered a free lung health check as a new screening programme aims to detect lung cancer earlier. Today we launched the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme at a special event in Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells.

On #WorldStrokeDay, meet Stroke Clinical Lead, Dr Navraj Chattha. “The most rewarding part of my role is seeing patients, particularly younger stroke survivors, make remarkable recoveries after what can be a life-changing event." Read more: ow.ly/JU2o5101Z9t

We've published our new Strategy for 2026–2031, which looks at how we will respond to growing demand, changing patient needs and a changing NHS, while continuing to provide safe, high-quality care for local communities. Read more: ow.ly/fji45100T04

We've been commended for taking part in the ACESO study, which aims to improve treatment for patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis, by investigating if adding upadacitinib to intravenous steroids can improve outcomes for adult patients. Read more: ow.ly/6QcA51002cM

Today is Global Clinical Engineering Day and we are celebrating the team whose expertise keeps our 56,000 medical devices safe, effective and ready to support patient care. 💪🏻🪛 Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but its impact is seen across our services.

If you use a wheelchair, scooter or walking aid to support your mobility, we recommend bringing it with you to your outpatient appointment. 🧑‍🦽 We cannot always guarantee there will be a mobility aid available at the hospital when you arrive.

Join our next Living With Cancer Health and Wellbeing event, including a presentation on managing the psychological effects of cancer. 🗓️ 22 October 🕥 10.30–11.30am 📍Unit D, Hermitage Court, Maidstone To book call 01622 227064 / 01892 638069 or email mtw-tr.koc-mtwcancerinfo@nhs.net

Today is #WorldAnaesthesiaDay marking the first successful use of ether anaesthesia in surgery, in 1846. Thank you to all our brilliant anaesthetists and theatre teams, our intensive care units, pain management service and ODPs for everything you do for our patients, every day.

🌟 OUR AMAZING AHPs! 🌟 We have 841 allied health professionals who are at the forefront of improving and transforming care for our patients and communities, helping people recover, regain their independence and live well: Happy AHP Day - and thank you for everything you do!

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay. 🌏 Using feedback from people with lived experience - like Dulcie, our new Lived Experience Advisor - helps ensure we can provide the best possible support to patients facing mental health challenges while in our care.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Marcos Katchburian & Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Heidi Furr presented at the British Neurotoxin Network Conference last month, showcasing our Complex Paediatric Upper Limb Service, which supports children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.

It was Falls Prevention Awareness week at the end of September and to mark the week, certificates were awarded by the Falls Prevention team in recognition of outstanding falls prevention practice and strong safety culture. Congratulations to all the teams recognised! 👏

Employee of the Month, Paediatric Mental Health Liaison Nurse, Chloe-Elise Hickman was recognised for the exceptional care she gave to a young autistic patient with selective mutism and a life threatening eating disorder. Read more: ow.ly/y07n50ZTYg7

Audiology patients are receiving hearing aids in less than two weeks, after an innovative virtual fitting pathway - where pre-programmed hearing aids are posted to patients - reduced waiting times from a peak of 13 months. Read more: ow.ly/yVvY50ZTRjb

It was a double win at the National BAME Health and Care Awards as Trish Mugwangi, Lead Professional Midwifery Advocate won BAME Midwife of the Year and Professor Chris Holland, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, won Ally of the Year! Read more: bamehscawards.org/awards/winners

Silviya Kuruvakkattuhodi, Staff Nurse in ICU at Tunbridge Wells Hospital is July's Employee of the Month! 👏 She found a person in cardiac arrest near her home, called 999 and began CPR. The patient was transferred to ICU and regained consciousness a few days later. Read more: ow.ly/LSQz50ZSgBh

Congratulations to the amazing team in Maidstone Hospital's Intensive Care Unit who were our Chief Nurse’s Team of the Month for August! 🏆 They were nominated for the award by our Safeguarding team and were presented with their certificate this week by Deputy Chief Nurse, Richard Gatune.

Our AGM will be held on Thursday 24 September at 3.30pm, in the Academic Centre at Maidstone Hospital and online via Teams. If you would like to submit a question, send it to mtw-tr.trustsecretaryoffice@nhs.net www.mtw.nhs.uk/annual-general-meeting

One of our patients was able to enjoy the ICU garden at Tunbridge Wells Hospital during a sunny spell this week! ☀️ Specially designed gardens at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals mean they can still go outside and enjoy the garden even if they need support from specialist medical equipment.

Rosh Hashanah runs from September 11-13 and celebrates the Jewish new year. We wish our colleagues, friends, partners and those in our care good health, happiness, peace and prosperity, today and throughout the year. Happy Rosh Hashanah – shana tova! 🍎🍯

This #IntensiveCareWeek meet the Critical Care Outreach team, a 24/7 service at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals. This specialised nurse-led service of 16 colleagues bring critical care expertise to our wards. They help identify patients who are becoming unwell and need extra support.

It’s #IntensiveCareWeek and we’re celebrating the teams caring for our most unwell patients. Our ICU teams deliver expert, compassionate, person-centred care to around 1000 patients every year. Thank you to our ICU and Critical Care Outreach teams for everything you do – this week and every week.

Infection prevention and control excellence awards are presented to teams or individuals showing exemplary IPC practice. This could include equipment or environmental cleanliness, hand hygiene, and teaching or improvement initiatives. The winner for August was Danielle Larkin from Ward 32! 👏

Surgeons at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals have performed 1000+ operations using robot-assisted surgery! The robot precisely mimics the surgeon’s hand movements. Complex procedures require smaller incisions, reducing damage to surrounding tissues. Read more: ow.ly/TMe850ZGpBH

Can't make your outpatient appointment? 📅 Please let us know if you can't attend, so someone else can take your place. 📲 Over 20,000 people have already used our patient portal to reschedule an appointment. Find out more at www.mtw.nhs.uk/portal

Before any planned surgery, pre-operative assessments make sure you’re ready for your procedure. You’ll now get a health questionnaire by email. Your answers will help us decide if you need further tests. For some patients, this will save a trip to hospital, or mean a shorter appointment.

Our Stroke Advisory Group includes people with experience of stroke care at MTW - including patients, family members and carers - sharing their views and helping shape our stroke services. The next meeting is at Hermitage Court in Maidstone on Monday 7 September. Email mtw-tr.salt-stroke@nhs.net

A team of Radiotherapy staff are taking on a fundraising challenge to make a difference to cancer patients! The Radiotherapy team are raising funds for our MTW Hospitals Charity so we can continue to offer innovative radiotherapy treatment: www.justgiving.com/page/dekafit-kent-oncology-centre

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating for Maidstone Hospital's Catering team! Good food and nutrition is essential to help patients recover while they are in hospital, and there was great news for the Catering team at Maidstone Hospital as they maintained their 5* hygiene rating for another year. 👏

We've been shortlisted for Fire Safety Team of the Year at the Institute of Fire Safety Managers Awards! 👏 The award recognises fire safety teams demonstrating exceptional commitment to improving fire safety.