Kelly Tolhurst MP has welcomed the government’s announcement that Medway is to receive up to £15.5 million of government funding to improve health services in the area.

Up to £8.5 million will be allocated to the development of a health and wellbeing centre in Chatham, which will be purpose-built to provide sustainable and integrated primary and community services in the heart of the community.

Up to £6 million will be used to build another health and wellbeing centre in Strood and up to £1 million will transform urgent treatment at Medway Maritime Hospital, ensuring patients are directed to the most clinically appropriate service.

The Rochester and Strood MP hailed the redevelopment of the Urgent Care Centre near the A&E Department at Medway Maritime Hospital, which will provide a lounge for mental health patients, an improved waiting room, eight treatment rooms, and a designated area for the diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis.

However, while these one stop shops including general medical services, wellbeing, mental health and social care are welcome within the main urban areas of Rochester and Strood, Kelly Tolhurst MP has called for further bidding to ensure health service facilities can be accessed on the Peninsula and in areas that will see increased development such as Rochester Riverside and Hoo.

Kelly Tolhurst MP said,

“This is important funding towards our aim to strengthen our hospital’s urgent care facilities and GPs in both Chatham and Strood but for me this should be just the tip of the iceberg.

“Over the next two decades we will see more homes built and our population rise so we need more funding and planning for additional services on the Peninsula and Rochester Riverside.

“I know very well the pressures our GPs are facing and the struggle residents are having getting appointments which is why this remains a top priority for me and I will be continuing to push for extra support.”