An overhaul of healthcare services across Kent and Medway could result in the creation of one emergency hospital centre with specialist services and a trauma unit for East Kent – meaning the downgrading of other sites.
In a draft plan to transform services, and potentially save Kent and Medway health trusts £292m, the NHS, Kent County Council and Medway Council have published the Health and Social Care Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP).
In it the organisations set out proposals to reduce ‘the estate’ – meaning the sale of assets and property – and “invest in housing and community facilities.”
The proposal is for one hospital to provide specialist services, A&E, a trauma centre, planned care and maternity wiyh a second hospital offering A&E, maternity and planned care.
A third site would provide planned care, supported by rehabilitation services and an urgent care centre led by GPs.