Two hospital departments have been awarded for delivering "high-quality care" to patients.

Medway Maritime, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals have received the Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) for their respective units.

The gong, awarded by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), is given when the hospital department shows high standards of care in areas such as patient experience, safety and clinical leadership.

Anaesthetists are the largest group of hospital-based specialists in the NHS and carry out the treatment for surgical, medical and psychiatric procedures.

They facilitate the likes of pain-free childbirth, resuscitate acutely unwell patients, run chronic pain services and lead intensive care units.

Lead ACSA reviewer Dr Ian Johnson said: "It was a pleasure to visit the anaesthetic department at Medway and their accreditation is well-deserved.

"As the review team, we were impressed with their supportive and inclusive nature as well as their innovative developments in areas including maternity enhanced care, simulation and support for novice trainees.

"Gaining accreditation reflects hard work across the whole department and is a significant achievement in ensuring high quality care for patients.

"Reflecting the hospital’s maritime history, it is good to see that the anaesthetic department at Medway is indeed 'ship-shape' [so] congratulations to all involved."

“Meanwhile, consultant anaesthetist and clinical director for theatres and critical care at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Dr Helen Burdett, added: “This has been a huge team effort and covers one of our largest departments: anaesthetics and theatres across both our hospitals.

“The ACSA process has been a real benefit to our staff and patients, empowering us to make improvements in our processes, equipment and training that have created a safer and more resilient environment.

“It has been a tool for self-improvement, supporting us to achieve our quality improvement objectives, encouraging innovation and focusing our attention on new challenges.

“Special thanks are due to Dr Benjamin Rudge and Dr James Peerless for leading the department through the complex process.”

The news comes just one week after a different ward was rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after inspection.

Mothers endured emergency caesarean section delays and suffered unnecessary blood loss at Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury.