Nurses at Benenden Hospital welcomed TV personality and medical broadcaster, Dr Hilary Jones on May 12, to celebrate the hard work of the medical staff at the private hospital.
The visit was organised in support of both International Nurses Day and National Operating Department Practitioners Day (ODP) on May 14.
Dr Hilary was able to tour the facilities and meet staff across all departments, including nursing, theatre, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and catering while also chatting to patients.
This was not the doctor’s first time visiting the hospital in Cranbrook, as he had unveiled the plaque for the official opening of the multi-million pound development in 2018.
Dr Hilary said: “This day is an opportunity to reflect on the fantastic work of nurses around the globe. They are the bedrock of hospitals everywhere.”
“Benenden is truly setting the standard. The team are all passionate and dedicated about what they do and it’s a wonderful, very healing environment.
“From personal experience, as soon as you arrive, you feel as if you’re already in a sanctuary where you are going to get better.”
Discussing the theatres team, he commented: “The people who do such brilliant work in operating theatres are not always the most visible to patients, and as a result can often be forgotten.
“They work without the usual plaudits and appreciation that others who are more visible might attract, so having a day dedicated to them to make sure they know they’re valued is vital.”
Hospital Director Jane Abbott said: “We were thrilled to welcome Dr Hilary to highlight the incredible work of our nursing and ODP teams on these important international days of recognition.
“He brought smiles to so many faces, provided a real boost for all our staff and patients, and is a fantastic champion of our hospital.”
