A HIGH Court Judge today dismissed an application for a judicial review into plans to downgrade Kent and Canterbury Hospital as part of the reorganisation of health care in east Kent.

Lord Justice Silber said: "I have no doubt that my decision will cause disappointment to those who are striving for more services at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. But I must make sure that the bodies acted according to the law and I believe that they did and for that reason I dismiss the application."

The application was brought by Maureen Smith against the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust. The judge refused Mrs Smith leave of appeal.