Annual Report and Accounts 2012/13 - Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Foreword from the Chairman1. Foreword fromthe ChairmanSafety, listening to patients and our staffand improving the patient experiencehave always been a focus for the Trust’sBoard of Directors, and have gainedgreater prominence throughout the yearfollowing the publication of the FrancisReport.While we are never complacent, I hopethat when reading our Annual Reportyou are reassured about our continuedexcellent performance, as demonstratedby examples of providing first class carefor our patients and the level of ward toBoard reporting within the organisation.In March 2013 the Trust narrowly missedout on the top spot and was ratedsecond out of around 150 trusts in thefirst ever overall assessment of NHShospital quality in England by MHP HealthMandate, based on what matters mostto people. This included risk of infection,rate of complaints and patient outcomes.A highlight during the year was theapproval of our development plans forChristchurch Hospital. We received atremendous amount of support fromlocal residents, staff, governors and thepublic which showed great communityspirit. We thank you for supporting ourplans which will ensure that ChristchurchHospital remains a focal point for thelocal community and health services aremaintained and developed. You can findout more on page 15 of this report.You will also read about the continualimprovements to the quality of servicesand care we provide for patients. Forexample, we now provide a 24/7 PrimaryPercutaneous Coronary Intervention(PPCI) service at the Royal BournemouthHospital where patients are admitteddirectly to the Dorset Heart Centre for lifesaving stenting.Our staff have been recognised bothlocally and nationally for theircommitment to improving patient careand their ‘can do’ attitude. Supportingour staff are over 800 volunteers whoalso give their time to our hospitals, andwithout whom we would not be able toprovide the standard of services thatwe do. Our Council of Governors, whoare also volunteers, continue to providechallenge and support to both the Boardof Directors and staff within our hospitals,all working for the same end goal toimprove the patient experience. You canread more about the impact they havehad from page 114.I am personally very proud that wecontinue to make improvements despitethe challenges we are faced with. Whenwe received an unannounced inspectionduring one of our busiest periods, theCare Quality Commission inspectorsfound us to be compliant in all areas,providing external reassurance to theBoard, the Council of Governors, staffand patients.The next 12 months will provide similarchallenge as we progress with our planto merge with Poole Hospital NHSFoundation Trust, while maintaining thefocus on running our hospitals effectivelyand providing high quality care for all.Jane StichburyChairmanAnnual Report and Accounts 2012/13 7