Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Impassioned plea by Faversham and Mid-Kent MP Helen Whately for a new hospital in Canterbury

An MP has told a government minister that people are scared their loved ones will not make it to hospital in time following the loss of emergency heart and stroke care at the Kent and Canterbury.

Helen Whately, who represents Faversham and Mid-Kent was speaking at an adjournment debate in the House of Commons during which she called for a new acute hospital in the city.

She was watched from the public gallery by a coachload of supporters, including nurses and Concern for Health in East Kent, which is campaigning against the possible "downgrading" of the K&C.

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whatley speaking at a recent public meeting over the future of the K&C
Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whatley speaking at a recent public meeting over the future of the K&C

Mrs Whately told junior health minister Philip Dunne on Friday that the future of the K&C was at "crunch point" and the 'temporary' removal of acute services must not be allowed to become permanent.

She said: "Heart attack patients in my constituency, who previously faced a journey of under 20 minutes to get to the hospital in Canterbury from Faversham, will now have to travel to Ashford—a longer drive on winding roads, one of which will be closed all summer—or Margate, 40 minutes away.

"In rush hour or by public transport, these journeys are far, far longer. People are scared that they or a loved one will not make it in time, and that visiting will be harder, or impossible for some.

"Added to that is the confusion about the transfer of services, and the risk that the pressure to free up acute beds will mean patients being transferred between hospitals before they are ready or ending up in corridors.

"Nurses, some of whom are here today, are desperately worried about the risk for patients."

Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament

Mrs Whately added: "What patients really need is a new acute hospital providing world-class care and a medical school attracting the brightest and best doctors and nurses, making east Kent a centre of excellence in healthcare.

"As a university city and a major population centre with good transport links, Canterbury is the right place for a major hospital and a medical school."

But she said that under new plans being drawn up by the East Kent Hospitals Trust - called the Sustainability and Transformation Plan - "all the signs" are that Canterbury is the most likely of the three main hospitals to lose acute services.

The junior minister was also pressed on the need for a new acute hospital in Canterbury by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke who said there would be savings in having a new state-of-the-art site.

Junior health minister Philip Dunne
Junior health minister Philip Dunne

But Mr Dunne said that any case for a new hospital in Canterbury should be made by those drawing up the Sustainability and Transformation Plan for east Kent.

While congratulating Mrs Whately for being "on her toes" over the future of the hospital, he said: "Right now it is not appropriate for me to explain the basics on which future capital allocations will be made or to make suggestions as to what would or would not be appropriate.

"Capital is allocated by the Department of Health on the basis of the strength of the proposals, which need to meet the criteria on meeting the needs of local populations. That has to be balanced against the amount of capital available throughout the country, where there are competing needs.

"The right forums are the STPs, which are bringing together NHS providers and commissioners from throughout their regions to try to arrange provision to meet the future healthcare needs of their populations.

"Whether or not my honorable friend is successful in persuading the STP that a new hospital in Canterbury is the right solution, that is a matter for her to take forward with the STP."

After the debate Mrs Whately said: "I’m pleased I was able to call this debate, it meant the minister had to thoroughly look into the situation at Kent & Canterbury and now knows to keep a very close eye on patient safety.

"Many of my constituents rely on the K&C and I am grateful so many came along to support the debate. It was good to also have the support of Canterbury’s new MP, Rosie Duffield.

"The Kent & Canterbury is a treasured hospital with a history going back over two centuries, and over the years it has saved thousands of lives.

"I called this debate so I could tell the Government how worried people are about its future and make the case for investment to the Health Minister.

"I understand that junior doctors were temporarily moved for safety reasons, but we must not lose acute services from Canterbury forever.

"So I asked the minister to make sure that these temporary changes do not become permanent. And I asked him to look ahead at the long-term future of healthcare in Kent."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More