We held our annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 5 July, where we reflected on our achievements over the last year, including coming out of special measures.

We were placed into special measures in 2013. After we undertook a significant improvement plan, we were removed from special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in March this year.

The AGM, held at King George Hospital, was a chance for our staff to reflect on their hard work and share their achievements with the community. A market place made up of stalls from departments across our Trust was held before the AGM, where teams were able to showcase their own improvements with those attending.

Our Chair Dr. Maureen Dalziel reflected on the last year, the key lessons learned and also shared a glimpse of what the future could look like for our community: “I have no doubt that our hospitals are now far safer than they were in 2013 thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff and with the support of our patients, partners and the community. Together we have made positive changes to the people whose lives we are entrusted with.

“I’m delighted that we have been praised in two recent reports, the CQC Driving Improvement report, through which we were also praised by the Health Secretary, and the Only Way is Up, commissioned by the Anglia Ruskin Health Partners (ARHP).

“While it’s important to reflect upon the past, it’s more important to look to the future where we are poised to deliver some very exciting innovations in cancer services and care of the elderly. I’m looking forward to talking more about this in the days ahead.”

The ARHP report, published next week, charts our time in special measures and looks at some specific areas which were transformed, including Maternity services and operating theatres. We’re also sharing best practice through a document, ‘Top Ten Tips’, written by Dr Dalziel, which highlights the key learning to help others in a similar position.

Our acting Chief Executive Jeff Buggle added: “A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers and our partners for all their hard work over the last year, as well helping to make our AGM such a success.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to reflect on all the areas where we’ve improved, including cutting our waiting lists, allowing us to treat our patients more quickly.”

Pictured are Bentley and Mercedes, our Pets as Therapy dogs who attended the market place area before the AGM.