Let us know what you think
Together, we believe we can build a stronger, more resilient organisation that delivers better care, closer to home.
We would like to hear your thoughts about this so we can make the best decisions for our patients and communities.
A new chapter for community health in Kent and Medway
Helping people in Kent and Medway to lead their best and healthiest lives is at the heart of everything we do.
It’s this shared purpose — and the shared challenges we face — that have led Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Medway Community Healthcare (MCH), to explore becoming one organisation.
Our communities are changing. People are living longer, often with more complex health needs. Yet access to care can vary depending on where you live, and long waits for some services persist. At the same time, we face growing pressures from financial constraints and workforce shortages.
Rather than face these challenges alone, KCHFT and MCH, which is a community interest company (CIC), are choosing to unite — not as a takeover, but as a partnership of equals. Together, we believe we can build a stronger, more resilient organisation that delivers better care, closer to home.
What does this mean for you?
We’re still in the early stages of discussion and are committed to working with our staff, patients, communities and partners to explore all options.
Our preferred approach is for MCH to join KCHFT as part of the NHS family, through a transfer of services and staff.
Together — in whatever form we take — we will continue working with our health and care partners to deliver the best possible services for our communities.
Let’s build something better and stronger for our communities together.
Mairead McCormick
Chief Executive
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Martin Riley
Managing Director
Medway Community Healthcare
Who are we?
Both organisations are deeply rooted in their communities and share a commitment to high-quality, compassionate care.
| Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation type | Community interest company (CIC). 99% of staff are shareholders in the organisation and an elected members forum ensures that the voices of staff and shareholders are heard at meetings of the Board and its committees. | NHS trust. All staff are members of the Foundation Trust with elected public and staff governors acting as ambassadors for the organisation and providing a public and staff voice. |
| Established | 2011 | 2011 |
| Mission | Lead the way in excellent healthcare | Empower adults and children to live well, be the best employer, and work with our partners as one |
| Values | Caring and compassionate, deliver quality and value, work in partnership | Compassionate, aspirational, responsive, excellence |
| Funding | £80 million | £325 million |
| Workforce (WTE) | 1,500 staff | 5,300 staff |
| CQC Rating | Good | Outstanding |
| Strategy |
- Deliver care closer to home - Provide flexible, efficient services - Respect dignity and privacy |
- Putting communities first - Better patient experience - Great place to work - Sustainable care |
| Services | More than 40 community services in Medway and surrounding areas | More than 70 services in Kent, Medway, East Sussex, London |
| Governance | Independent Board with CIC accountability | NHS Trust Board with public accountability |
Why do we need to do things differently?
Like many parts of the NHS, we are under pressure:
More people need care
The population is growing and ageing. By 2040, the number of people aged 65+ in Kent and Medway is expected to rise by more than 40 per cent.
Workforce pressures
Recruiting and retaining staff is increasingly difficult, especially in community nursing.
Financial constraints
Both organisations are operating at breakeven, but face ongoing savings targets of 3 to 6 per cent of turnover.
Services are fragmented
Different providers, systems and standards can lead to delays, duplication, and confusion for patients.
Health inequalities are widening
People in deprived areas live more than a decade less in good health than those in more affluent areas.
The NHS nationally is also shifting towards neighbourhood-based care, where services are more local, joined-up, and focused on prevention. This
merger supports that direction.
We believe this merger will help make care more joined-up, easier to access and better suited to the needs of local people.
Our two organisations believe uniting will make us stronger to face these challenges and build services fit for the future.
What are the benefits?
This merger is about building a stronger, more joined-up community
health service for everyone in Kent and Medway. It will bring real
benefits for patients, staff, and the wider health and care system.
What will change?
Patients will still see the same teams in the same places — but behind the scenes, we’ll be working more closely together. Over time, services will become more joined-up, with early focus on:
- integrated frailty pathways and urgent community response
- children’s therapies
- virtual wards and discharge-to-assess
- rehabilitation, end-of-life care, and long-term condition management.
We’ll also invest in digital tools and automation to improve patient experience and free up staff time for care.
What have we heard so far about our plans?
We know that any change of this scale must be shaped by the people it affects most — our patients, staff, partners, and local communities.
That’s why we’ve made listening a priority from the very beginning.
How are we engaging?
We want to make sure voices are heard and feedback is acted on. So far, this has included:
- staff webinars and briefings
- stakeholder letters to local authorities, MPs, NHS partners, and voluntary organisations
- media statements and updates on our websites and social media
- meetings with councillors and scrutiny committees
- drop-in sessions and frequently asked questions for staff.
This is just the start — and we’ll continue to listen and involve people throughout the process.
What people are telling us
Our commissioner for adult and children’s community services has expressed strong support for the merger.
They highlighted the importance of: Equitable access to care, simplified governance and a more resilient and capable community provider.
Our partners have been supportive, recognising the potential benefits for local people. However, they’ve been clear that local services and funding must be protected.
Transparency and accountability are essential. We’ve committed to maintaining a strong local presence and continuing to report to local scrutiny bodies.
Feedback from staff has been generally positive, with many seeing the merger as a natural next step.
- MCH staff welcomed the opportunity for greater career stability, access to NHS benefits.
- KCHFT staff valued the potential for improved patient experience, shared learning, and stronger collaboration.
At the same time, we’ve heard concerns — particularly around:
- Job security, especially in corporate and support roles
- Cultural integration between an NHS trust and a community interest company.
In response, we’ve created a dedicated people and culture workstream and tailored engagement plans to support staff through the transition.
So, what next?
July 2025
In July 2025 a more detailed strategic case for change was approved by both organisations’ boards. This outlines the rationale and high-level benefits of the merger.
Now to 2026
Continued planning and engagement with staff, patients, and local communities. A full business case is being developed and is due for submission in 2026.
March 2026
As MCH is a community interest company (CIC), there will be an advisory vote of MCH shareholders.
July 2026
NHS challenge meeting with both organisations' Boards.
September 2026
Merger is officially approved by MCH and KCHFT’s Boards.
NHS England formally approve.
By October 2026
The merger is planned to be completed, with the goal of ensuring the new
organisation is ready to deliver safe, effective care from day one.
Your voice matters
Our communities and colleagues will be involved throughout this process. Your feedback will help shape how services are delivered. There will be opportunities to ask questions, share concerns and help make the new organisation work for everyone.
How you can give your views:
There are many ways in which you can give us your views. You can:
- find out more information on our Stronger together webpage
- give your views through our survey
- email us at kchft.comms@nhs.net
- write to us at:
Communications and Engagement Team
Kent Community Health
NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House
110-120 Upper Pemberton
Eureka Park, Ashford
Kent, TN25 4AZ
Frequently asked questions
Alternative formats
If you need communication support or would like this in an alternative format, please contact the KCHFT Communications and Engagement Team.
0300 790 0506
kchft.comms@nhs.net
www.kentcht.nhs.uk
Write:
Communications and Engagement Team
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust,
Trinity House
110-120 Upper Pemberton
Eureka Park
Ashford
Kent, TN25 4AZ