Faversham Cottage Hospital ward to re-open in December

We're pleased to announce the 16-bed inpatient ward at Faversham Cottage Hospital will re-open to admissions in December.

The service was temporarily paused at the end of June, due to critically low staffing, particularly in key leadership roles, caused by vacancies and sickness.

Chief Executive Mairead McCormick

KCHFT Chief Executive Mairead McCormick said: "I'm delighted to confirm we are on track to safely re-open to admissions at Faversham from Tuesday, 2 December.

"Our hospital recruitment campaign has been successful and, with significant efforts made to onboard and induct our new recruits for Faversham, we are confident we will be able to safely staff the ward from this date.

"During the pause, we’ve taken the opportunity to complete scheduled maintenance and refresh works, so the ward is fully prepared for reopening.

"Recruitment is continuing, with further interviews and inductions taking place and we're really looking forward to welcoming our new colleagues onto the ward.

"I’d like to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues from Faversham Cottage Hospital. During the pause, they have worked with our teams in other hospitals and have provided them with excellent support.

“Thank you also, to everyone in the Faversham community, especially the League of Friends, who have been hugely supportive during this period.

"We will continue to talk to and engage with people about the long-term future of healthcare in the town, including the expansion of home treatment services, to work alongside the rehabilitation offered in hospitals.

"We're committed to providing the best possible neighbourhood care for the residents of Faversham and surrounding areas."