For the most up to date articles go to the latest news section.
May 2009
Plans on show for proposed new health centre at King's Avenue - 08 May
An event, which will span two days, is being held for people interested in finding out more about the outline plans for the old Ashford Hospital site in King’s Avenue.
April 2009
Carbon management scheme takes shape - Press release 27 April
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent is going green by kick-starting energy savings and reducing carbon emissions by participating in the NHS Carbon Management Programme.
Extended minor injuries services in Faversham - Press release 21 April
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent (PCT) has reaffirmed its commitment to Faversham Cottage Hospital at its public workshop held at the Alexander Centre.
Choose and Book at your local library - Press Release 14 April
Computers in Kent County Council’s Libraries are now being promoted to people wanting to take advantage of choosing which hospital to be treated in.
March 2009
New services now available Sheppey NHS Healthcare Centre - Press release 23 March
The new GP led health centre run by DMC Healthcare based at Sheppey Community Hospital, is now up and running.
Public workshops will help shape Shepway health services - 5 March
Shepway residents have two opportunities to voice their views on how health needs in the area should be met during the next five years.
Have your say on Faversham Cottage Hospital - 5 March
Members of the public are invited to have their say on the current services provided at Faversham Cottage Hospital at an open day in Faversham on Friday 13 March.
Local-Eyes Open Day and Exhibition 2009
This is a Kent Association for the Blind event where people with a loss of sight can find out about services that are available to them.
Full of Life event
A chance to find out about services and facilities available in your local area and to celebrate the positive contribution that older people make to society.
Kent Partners Compact
The Kent Partners Compact sets out a shared vision and principles, with undertakings from both sides and systems to make sure that the agreement works.
February 2009
Patient and Public Involvement Bulletin
This new NHS South East Coast Patient and Public involvement (PPI) bulletin will be published quarterly. It contains news and information, particularly with regard to initiatives involving engagement with the public, together with links to relevant websites and contact details for further information.
Hawkinge and Elham Surgery - Press release 11 February
The Hawkinge and Elham Valley Practice has taken the decision not to pursue the development of new premises at Spitfire Way in Hawkinge.
Patient choice advisor appointed - Press release 10 February
Patients from east Kent who would like information on patient Choice or help with getting the best from the NHS Choose and Book appointments scheme can turn to newly appointed advisor Cat Bridgland.
NHS investment dramatically reduces waiting times for hearing aids - Press release 5 February
Patients needing NHS hearing aids in east Kent are able to get them far more quickly following major investment of more than £1 million in audiology services by NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent.
Temporary changes at the top - Press release 4 February
The Chairman of NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent, Colin Tomson, has been appointed interim Chair of NHS South East Coast the Strategic Health Authority for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, it was announced today.
Sheppey GP led health centre on course for March opening - Press release 2 February
Over the coming weeks a number of small building projects will be taking place at Sheppey Community Hospital as part of its development in readiness for the March opening of the new GP led health centre.
Patients’ chance to give something back - Press release 2 February
Members of the public, patients and carers are urged to nominate someone from their local health or social care services for this year’s Best of Health Awards.
Residents’ chance to meet new health centre staff - Press release 2 February
Residents in Aylesham and surrounding villages will have the opportunity to find out what their new health centre will have to offer them at an open day on Thursday February 12.
January 2009
Healthcare takes to the road – and you are invited to join in - Press release 26 January
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent is inviting the public to a series of roadshows to be held in February where they will be able to quiz top executives about health priorities.
NHS Constitution sets out new patient rights - Press release 26 January
Board members of NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent have backed the NHS Constitution signed by the Prime Minister last week.
Keeping well at winter evaluation survey
Let us know what you think about our recent winter health campaign and how we can improve our communications for next year.
Weight loss trial pays you to succeed - Press release 14 January
Hundreds of volunteers are being sought by NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent to take part in a trial which will pay them cash if they lose weight.
Patients’ chance to make anti-coagulation clinic choices - Press release 14 January
Patients in Herne Bay who attend anti-coagulation (Warfarin) clinics at the town’s Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital are now being asked to choose where they would like to have future appointments.
MEND Programme helps families have fun while watching their weight - press release 9 January
Overweight youngsters in the Dover district once again have the chance to join a free course which can transform their health with the support of their families.
Patients get their say on shaping local doctor services - 6 January
Patient surveys are now being sent to 70,000 people across east Kent by the Department of Health seeking their views on how to improve family doctor services.
December 2008
Don't let the cold weather turn you blue this winter - Press Release 29 December
Keep warm and keep well is the New Year message from NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent as colder weather promises to strike.
Working Together to Plan Services
Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT would like to seek your views on a number of services to make sure that when planned improvements are made to these services we take into account service users’ views.
Contract signing paves way for new GP led health centre - Press Release 17 December
A new GP led health centre is set to open its doors at Sheppey Community Hospital next year following the signing of contracts on Wednesday December 17 between the NHS and a specialist health provider.
Greatstone pharmacy is now open for longer - Press Release 15 December
Until 28 March 2009, the Co-Op in Greatstone will open on Saturdays between 9am and 5pm to offer expert advice on a range of health topics.
Wye pharmacy is now open for longer - Press Release 15 December
Until 28 March 2009, the Co-Op in Wye will open on Saturdays between 9am and 5pm to offer expert advice on a range of health topics.
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent commissions a new Swale GP-led Health Centre - Press release 1st December
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent is pleased to announce it has appointed DMC Healthcare Ltd as the preferred provider for a new GP-led Health Centre in Sheppey Community Hospital.
November 2008
Extended hours for Blood Test services at Sheppey Community Hospital and Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital - 28th November 2008
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent is pleased to announce a temporary extension of availability and opening hours for blood test services at the Sheppey Community Hospital at Plover Road, Minster-on-Sea and Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital at Bell Road, Sittingbourne.
Saffron Way Health Centre temporarily closed - 28th November 2008
The GP surgery at Saffron Way will be temporarily closed, Thursday 4th and Friday 5th December ONLY whilst the surgery relocates to new portacabins.
Employee health screening offer
The PCT has joined up with Prevent PLC to offer health checks to staff.
NHS websites join up - Press release 12th November
NHS Choices and NHS Direct, two of the country’s leading health websites, are joining forces to provide the public with all the health information they need in one place www.nhs.uk.
Local hero honoured in book - Press Release 7th November
A local NHS hero has been recognised for his extraordinary contribution to the local
community.
Healthcare Commission review urgent and emergency care services in England
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent (the PCT) is pleased to announce that the report confirms significant progress has been made in eastern and coastal Kent.
October 2008
Saffron Way Health Centre - 31st October
Please note that the surgery will be closed on 13th and 14th November to allow new portacabins to be delivered.
Do you know a local NHS “STAR”? - 31st October
Members of the public are invited to nominate individuals or teams who work for NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent and have provided a health-related service by “going the extra mile” to help them.
Supporting free swimming across eastern and coastal Kent - 31st October
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent will provide £480,000 over the next 2 years to support local Councils in offering free swimming.
Continuing to trial new X-Ray services at Folkestone NHS Walk-in Centre - 28th October
The NHS in eastern and coastal Kent is pleased to announce that they are continuing to trial new X-Ray services at Folkestone NHS Walk-in Centre, part of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Radnor Park Avenue.
Community and voluntary organisations - a hidden resource? - 28th October
Bridging the Gap is bringing together statutory and voluntary organisations to deliver better health and social care services across Ashford.
GP-Led Health Centres in Swale and Thanet Localities - 23rd October
The Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) – Your Local NHS, has been consulting with its patients and public and local GP’s on providing two new GPLed Health Centres in Swale and Thanet.
NHS pledges financial help for homeless charity - 23rd October
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent has pledged £87,000 of financial support to Canterbury based charity The Scrine Foundation for the remainder of this financial year.
New Sexual Health Services in eastern and coastal Kent - 23rd October
Four new free and confidential clinics are now open for young people who want to access sexual health screening services.
HPV Immunisation Programme Set To Start - 21st October
Around 8,000 girls across the eastern and coastal Kent area are set to be immunised against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, fromTuesday November 4.
Health Chief opens new Deal surgery - 21st October
More than 12,000 patients are able to take advantage of new facilities at a Deal doctor’s surgery which was formally opened last week.
Lydd Branch Surgery Information Session - 20th October
Lydd Branch Surgery in Park Street Lydd, will be closing on the 30th November 2008. The main surgery at Thomas House in Dymchurch is remaining open.
Vandalism and theft at Saffron Way NHS GP Surgery - 15th October
The Saffron Way GP Surgery in Saffron Way, Sittingbourne, is experiencing problems due to vandalism and the theft of copper wiring that provides power to part of the surgery.
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent – moving forward, continuing improvement - 15th October
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent is delighted to announce that it has been rated good for its use of resources and fair for its quality of services, by the Healthcare Commission today.
The public have say in campaign's direction - 10th October 2008
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent provided draft versions of the advice leaflet to the Health Matters Reference Group for comment to ensure it could be easily understood.
Primary Care Trust’s financial performance adds up nicely - 2nd October 2008
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent (the PCT) is one of many judged to be offering patients better value for money, according to a new report from an independent watchdog.
Selective Mutism has its own awareness week for the first time - 2nd October 2008
The Selective Mutism Information and Research Association is arranging the week, beginning on Monday October 6, to highlight the condition.
Arts events set to fight stigma on World Mental Health Day - 2nd October 2008
The achievements of people with mental health issues and challenging the traditional stigma of mental illness will be highlighted in a play entitled Transitions at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Watling Street Canterbury.
September 2008
NHS Constitution
This is draft Constitution that enshrines the principles and values of the NHS. You can have your say by coming along to the Colin Jackson Suite at the Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford TN24 9QX at 2.15pm on Wednesday 24th September 2008 for the live consultation meeting which follows our, starting at 12.30pm, at the same venue.
Blood donor sessions
Find out where you can give blood in the eastern and coastal Kent area.
Health News - September 2008
The health service newspaper for the people of eastern and coastal kent
Dover Community Hospital plans - 17th September 2008
At its Board meeting held today in Dover, Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) backed plans to build a new hospital on a town centre site in Dover.
Wincheap Health Impact Assessment Report - 15th September 2008
Canterbury City Council has plans for significant regeneration of the Wincheap district of the city.
Key re-appointment of Non Executive Directors - 8th September 2008
The PCT is delighted to announce the reappointment of three new Non Executive Directors.
Annual Report April 2007 - March 2008
This report reflects our first full twelve months in operation as a new organisation – twelve months that have been both exciting and challenging.
Staff Influenza Immunisation Campaign
NHS staff and those who work in social care can get a free flu immunisation.
Infant feeding survey - September
Survey for mums that can help improve infant feeding services in your area.
Local Involvement Networks (LINks)
The Kent LINk are looking for individuals with skills and experience to help oversee a new organisation in Kent. It is called the Kent Local Involvement Network (The Kent LINk).
Press release - 1st September 2008
Modern health services at Sittingbourne GP Practice – a visit to the Memorial Medical Centre.
GP-led health centre questions
Frequently asked questions from the Swale and Thanet events.
PCT Business Plan 2008-09
This sets out the steps which the organisation will take in 2008/09 to implement the PCT Strategy.
August 2008
PCT Business Plan 2008-09
This sets out the steps which the organisation will take in 2008/09 to implement the PCT Strategy.
Tobacco Control consultation - your views wanted
A chance to give your views on further measures that would stop people smoking.
July 2008
Pathfinder newsletter
The first newsletter letting you know the progress made with the Aiming High Short Breaks Pathfinder Programme.
NHS is 60 years old!
The NHS marks its 60th anniversary this year, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past and look forward to the future.
High Quality Care for All
Lord Darzi's final report of the NHS Next Stage Review sets out wide-ranging proposals that place quality of care at the heart of everything the NHS does.
Opening the door to a new life - a Learning Disabilities Consultation update July 2008
We are writing to update you on progress following our earlier report in response to the Learning Disabilities consultation.
Health News - May 2008
The latest edition of the Health News paper is now available to view online or download.
June 2008
Green light to develop
Ashford’s health services Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT are delighted to receive the Health Minister’s announcement that we been given approval for plans to develop the Old Ashford Hospital site at Kings Avenue in Ashford into a Community Hospital.
Involving people in Mental Health Services in east Kent , June/July 2008
The Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust is preparing to invest in the modernisation and improvement of its inpatient facilities in Margate, Ashford and Canterbury.
Health News - May 2008
The latest edition of the Health News paper is now available to view online or download.
Standards for Better Health Declaration for 07-08.
Of the 43 standards which cover all aspects of patient care and experience the PCT is reporting compliance with 39 of them by March 2008, compared with 15 in 2006-2007. Please refer to the SfBH report for more information.
PCT invests in local GP-led Health Centres
At Equitable Access meetings in Swale (21st April) and Thanet (22nd April) local people packed meeting rooms at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre, Sheerness and Smiths Court, Hotel, Cliftonville to have their say on the planned GP-led Health Centres In Swale and Thanet respectively.
Eastern and Coastal Kent Staff Survey Results
The NHS has recently received the results of its latest staff survey. The survey, which was conducted in NHS organisations throughout the UK, is intended to help make the NHS become a workplace of choice.
May 2008
Public Meeting & Workshop
Wednesday 11th June 10am - 12 noon
We need your views to help finalise the GPs plans for providing health services in Dover. See the workshop flyer for more information.
April 2008
Improving access to local medical services
Your local NHS is to provide two new GP-led Health Centres over the next 12 months - one in the Swale locality and one in Thanet. The PCT would like to invite you to an event in your area to learn from you, which services and locations would be most appropriate for the new developments.
Investment into Action
This special report looks at some of the changes that have been made as a result of investment and ask staff from across the Trust to tell us about some
of the exciting developments that are happening.
Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Open Day - 23rd April 2008
The coincide with MS Awareness Week, the centre will be having an open day with free 'taster' sessions such as massage and reflexology.
March 2008
Health News March 2008
The health service newspaper for the people of eastern and coastal Kent. New edition out now. Read it online here or download a copy.
Admin and clerical jobs for the PCT
Temporary and permanent administration and clerical jobs within the PCT are now being advertised on our website. For more information and how to apply, see our vacancies section.
Get Walking with East Kent HealthWalks - February 2008
East Kent HealthWalks will be starting at St Stephens Church Hall in Canterbury on Tuesdays from 5th March. Open to all ages. See the HealthWalks Flyer for more details.
No Smoking Day - 12th March 2008
Find out about No Smoking Day and advice on how to quit from the Stop Smoking Service Eastern and Coastal Kent website.
February 2008
Consultation on tackling overweight and obesity across Kent: A Strategy - January - March 2008
The Kent Strategy on ‘Tackling Overweight and Obesity’ sets out a framework to start to develop a comprehensive approach to the problem and is now seeking comments from partner agencies to develop and implement the Strategy.
Continuing to reduce the risk of infection - February 2008
In partnership with KOS Media, the PCT has launched a campaign to promote hand hygiene at work, hospitals and healthcare centres across eastern and coastal Kent.
January 2008
Consultation on tackling overweight and obesity across Kent: A Strategy - January - March 2008
The Kent Strategy on ‘Tackling Overweight and Obesity’ sets out a framework to start to develop a comprehensive approach to the problem and is now seeking comments from partner agencies to develop and implement the Strategy.
Mental health foundation trust status consultation January - February 2008
Kent and Medway NHS and Social care Partnership Trust (KMPT) are planning to acquire foundation trust status, and are now holding a consultation to give you the chance to offer your views.
Local Involvement Networlks (LINks) - January 2008
A Local Involvement Network (LINk) will be a network of local people, organisations and groups that want to make care services better. A LINk will give you the chance to say what you think and to suggest ideas to help improve services. Register your interest in attending the next LINks event on 30th January 2008 here.
NHS Public Questionnaire - January 2008
The 'Our NHS, our future' review is about giving you the opportunity to help shape the vision for the NHS in England over the next decade by making sure it focuses on the things that really matter, and meets the challenges it will face over that time.
Norovirus update - January 2008
With all the recent publicity about Norovirus we thought it would be timely to reiterate information and advice given to us by Dr M Chandrakumar, Director of the Kent Health Protection Unit which is part of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
New diabetes website - January 2008
It includes information for people with diabetes and for those who care for them.This site has been set up to share information across the local diabetes community.
December 2007
Winter Wrap 2007 - December 2007
We are all more likely to catch cold or flu in winter. The cold weather can also cause other serious health problems – like heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia. This means it’s essential to keep warm in winter
Kent Cardiac Network - new website
The Kent Cardiac Network works in partnership and collaboration with the public and primary, secondary and tertiary care to ensure services meet the needs of the population of Kent.
Patient Watch - November 2007
Patient Watch is a new scheme that has been launched recently at Deal Hospital that aims to reinforce the principles of how to keep personal belongings of patients and staff safe and secure.
November 2007
National Review of the NHS
The NHS is holding a focus group in The Stour Centre, Station Approach, Ashford from 10 am to 1 pm on Thursday, 29 November 2007.
Family Planning Clinic holiday opening times
Click on the link for the clinics and opening hours during Christmas and New Year.
KASH Tobacco Control Strategy 2007 - 2009
This Strategy outlines the areas of work that the Kent Alliance on Smoking and Health (KASH) is involved in and will support over the next two years.
October 2007
New Sexual Health Helpline - 01303 228808
In complete confidence, you can find information on location, dates, times of GUM (Genito Urinary Medicine) Clinics, emergency and general contraceptive services as well as outreach and school nurses.
The service operates between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Learning Disabilities Consultation October 2007 - January 2008
The NHS in Kent is working in partnership with Kent County Council, and others, to give people with learning disabilities more choice about housing and the support they get. The consultation will last until January 2008 and you can offer your views here.
Patient Watch
Patient Watch is a new scheme that has been launched recently at Deal Hospital that aims to reinforce the principles of how to keep personal belongings of patients and staff safe and secure.
September 2007
NHS Fit for Future
We are pleased to be able to share with you our summer 2007 Fit for the Future update. It summaries the progress we’re making to bring your health services up-to-date, ready for the future.
