Maura Buchanan was a guest at Benenden Hospital on Monday, September 29, and was given a full tour, which, included a look at the paediatric wards as well as the theatres and state-of-the-art imaging department.

The President of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) praised the work of the independent hospital following the visit, which included a tour of the facilities and a chance to meet with staff.

The Royal College of Nursing represents nurses and nursing, promotes excellence in practice and helps to shape health policies. Ms Buchanan, a Senior Nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, has been RCN President for the past two years and has recently been re-elected to the post for a further two years.

Following her tour, a reception was held where Ms Buchanan addressed more than 50 staff from the hospital and stressed the importance of the nursing profession and its role in public service.

She also praised the history of Benenden, which recently celebrated its 100th birthday, and its current role as a modern, high-tech healthcare provider that has moved with the times.

She added: “Benenden is a most impressive place where staff are obviously happy, valued and, as a result, promote a high standard of care for their patients.”

Jane Abbott, Benenden’s Director of Clinical Services, said: “It was great for us to be able to show an important industry figure such as Maura Buchanan, the work we are carrying out here in Kent. The Royal College of Nursing is the voice of our profession and it was a great boost to staff to be able to meet and discuss issues with one of its top people.”

Benenden Hospital is set in the countryside between Cranbrook and Tenterden. It treats members of the Benenden Healthcare Society, NHS patients under the Free Choice scheme, and private patients.