The Trust holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once a year to share information about its performance, achievements and future plans. The AGM is open to members, patients, staff and the local community. The AGM agenda is delivered by the Trust’s Executive Team and additional speakers.
Guests are invited to submit questions for the AGM ahead of the meeting.
Please see the AGM slides and questions received from the public in the section below:
This year's AGM took place on Tuesday 29 September, at 5.30pm to 6.50pm in the Kevin Lafferty Lecture Theatre, Education Centre, at Basildon Hospital.
Members of the Executive Team presented information on the Trust’s performance over the past year and reflected on the priorities for the future.
The meeting also included presentations on the Quality Account and the Charity Annual Report and Accounts, together with a report from our Lead Governor.
Will the new CEO work with the Health Minister and local MPs to secure funding for a specialist, accredited multidisciplinary endometriosis service—supported by a senior management team and working with subject matter experts—to address the current gap in care for women with stage 3 and stage 4 endometriosis?
The Trust is committed to improve services for all our populations and over the next few months we will be working closely with our partners to provide care and treatment to women in the community where possible and to also improve our current services. There is important work being overseen by the Women and Children board, the focus of which is to get the basics right for women who use our services. We don’t have immediate plans for specialist endometriosis services, but will explore with specialised commissioning the adequacy of the provision of these services and access to them.
Could the Chair, Chief Executive and Lead Governor each identify three things they are proud of and one priority for improvement, explaining why it matters and the planned actions and timescale for achieving the desired outcome?
Dr Andrew Wood, OBE, Trust Chair:
The three things I would highlight are the commitment of colleagues through a difficult period, the greater clarity now being brought to recovery through the Intensive recovery Programme and the constructive way the Board, governors and executive team are working together.
My priority for improvement is consistent delivery against the recovery plan, supported by reliable evidence and prompt escalation when progress falls short. The Intensive Recovery Programme is a very important lens through which we should judge MSEFT’s performance. It should help us test whether the organisation is establishing a credible trajectory, strengthening operational control and converting plans into sustained, measurable improvement. Progress against it will be reported openly to the Board.
Adam Sewell-Jones, Group Chief Executive:
I am proud of the fact that I'm part of an organisation that is changing the lives of people in Essex every day, including friends and family. I'm proud that so many people write into the Trust to thank staff when they receive the care that we want for everyone. I'm proud that some of the work undertaken in the Trust is leading the way in innovation and research nationally.
My priority for improvement is to remove the barriers that are stopping staff being able to do their best work. Some of that is cultural and some process. This work should never have an end point, but we will see significant improvements in this area continue through this next year. This will be evidenced in the improvement in important metrics across quality, operations, people and money.
Alan McFadden, Lead Governor:
I am proud of the fact that many governors give their time freely to scrutinise and support local healthcare, including reviewing extensive papers, attending lengthy meetings and engaging with patients. Only an informed and active council of governors can fulfil their roles effectively.
MSE is making progress, including opening Community Diagnostic Centres. Earlier diagnosis improves outcomes, and governors are monitoring whether patients receive prompt treatment.
Despite the Trust’s challenges, thousands of staff work every day to support those most in need. They need effective systems and sufficient funding to deliver efficient, compassionate care.
One priority for improvement must be to reduce the waiting lists without compromising quality. Using resources effectively is vital to meeting the Trust’s growing challenges.
Does the CEO have time-bound key performance indicators set for the first 100 days to address the Trust’s performance failings?
The Board has set clear expectations for the Group Chief Executive’s early period through the recovery programme and the Trust’s established accountability arrangements. These include time-bound actions, regular performance reporting and scrutiny of delivery. The Board will judge progress through evidence of improved operational control and sustained improvement, rather than a standalone list detached from the wider recovery plan.
What action is being taken to improve communication and contingency planning for orthodontic patients affected by cancelled appointments, including timely updates on waiting times and alternative treatment options?
The service had a consultant resign before the vacancy could be advertised, and the recruitment process took longer than expected. The service has now recruited a strong candidate, who is due to join the Trust in March 2027.
In the interim, an agency consultant will work across Broomfield and Southend hospitals from the week commencing 28 September, with appointments already being booked, and the service has also been providing emergency appointments. We expect this to reduce waiting times noticeably.
Orthodontics is a particularly difficult specialty to recruit to, and we apologise to those affected by the delay and lack of communication. We are confident that appointments will resume shortly across both sites and waiting times will return to expected levels.
You can view historical slide packs and our annual reports on our publications and reports page.
Please email mse.members@nhs.net if you are interested in becoming a member and attending this event in the future.