It was a time for reflection at an NHS trust’s annual general meeting, looking back at a year of achievements.

Staff from the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) which runs Romford’s Queen’s Hospital, gathered last Wednesday at King George Hospital in Goodmayes to discuss what has happened in the past 12 months.

The trust had been placed into special measures in 2013 but was taken out earlier this year after the Care Quality Commission saw that it had made “significant improvements” and highlighted this with a positive inspection report.

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.”

Tailored care to patients living with dementia was classed as outstanding, while providing babies with home oxygen therapy dramatically improved families’ quality of life.

The CQC also praised the trust’s dedicated paediatric learning disability nurse.

The annual general meeting was also a chance for different department to share their own personal achievements which they showcased at their very own stall.

The trust’s chairwoman Dr Maureen Dalziel said: “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.”