THE shape of health services in east Kent has finally been confirmed. About 30 per cent of current procedures and operations at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital will be carried out at QEQM in Margate and Ashford's William Harvey Hospital.

The decision follows meetings between the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) of Ashford, Canterbury, East Kent and Shepway. They have settled on what has become known as Option 3.

Health campaigners have been quick to criticise the decision. Ken Rogers from Campaign for Healthcare in East Kent (CHEK) said: "There is a need for three acute hospitals in east Kent and, with the population increase, that will be ever more obvious in years to come."

In addition to the chosing Option 3, the PCTs agreed that they will jointly commission research into future models of breast care, including all aspects of diagnosis and treatment.

However, breast surgery will be lost from the Kent and Canterbury, requiring women to travel to Ashford and Margate for care.

PCTs have also decided that planned orthopaedic surgery will continue to be provided from Ashford and Margate.