NHS staff say plans to close hospital ward will 'compromise patient safety' in West Kent

Safety concerns have been raised by NHS staff and patients' relatives over plans to close hospital beds for frail and older people in Kent.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is currently running a consultation on the closure of 30 beds on Whatman Ward at Maidstone Hospital.

The Trust says the move is part of service changes linked to the NHS 10 Year Health Plan which aims to shift care from hospital to community settings.

But staff, who wish to remain anonymous, say the ward closure will "compromise patient safety in West Kent."

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Source: ITV News, 13 August 2026