Over the last number of days, a post on local social media has caused a number of worried residents to write to me concerning Sevenoaks Hospital. They had heard that Sevenoaks Hospital was closing completely and all services were to be lost.
This (thank goodness) is not true.
The situation remains the same as when I wrote my column in the Chronicle on 19 September and as posted by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) on the Sevenoaks Hospital website: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/community-health-online/changes-to-services-at-sevenoaks-hospital/
Other than the 19 bed inpatient rehabilitation ward, which following a visit by the Fire Brigade had to be moved to Tenterden temporarily, are due to migrate over to the buildings on the other side of the road. And, by the time this column is published, I am expecting KCHFT to have provided an update with the expected timetable for services to move.
As I have said before, this hospital is absolutely vital for our community and I will always do all I can to protect it. We must have fit for purpose hospital and clinic facilities in the town.
I will also work with the local community, KCHFT and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board to ensure we have modern, improved services we need – especially (looking forward) with works in the next few years starting to commence on the Tarmac Quarry site which will eventually increase the number of homes within the town of Sevenoaks by 10%. We need also to look at GP services and increasing the number of medical practitioners based in the town.
There will be public consultation in due course on the shape of facilities provided by the hospital, and I will update you again once this process is underway.
On a different topic, I have loved seeing so many entries arrive for my annual Christmas Card competition for 2024. It’s still not too late to enter, with one week left to the 7 November deadline. All local children, up to 11-years-old, are invited to take part, and designs may be inspired by either their favourite festive local activities, places or stories. To enter visit: https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/christmas-card-competition
The winning design will be printed on the front of the Christmas Cards I send out in December. And, The Stag Sevenoaks has again very kindly donated prizes, including tickets to see the Snow White pantomime this winter for the winner, and cinema tickets for the runners-up.
