Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has backed local doctors’ plans to develop a new Health and Social Care Hub at Deal Hospital.

The NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is drawing up the plans to provide better and more co-ordinated health and social care there.

It wants to safeguard the minor injuries unit and diagnostics, while adding new clinics, plus more rehabilitation, physiotherapy and social services.

CCG accountable officer Hazel Carpenter said: “The community hub vision that we have for Deal will enable us to link health and social care together. By working closely with other agencies, we can provide what is best for the people of Deal.”

The aim is to improve care for older people in particular, by working with the Age UK centre on Park Street and coordinating access to services such as dementia care and meal delivery services. The new hub would also be a base to provide carers support and advocacy services to vulnerable people.

Mr Elphicke said: “These plans are to be welcomed. The plan for a new hub will allow more services to be based at Deal Hospital.

“It would help older people access more services closer to where they live in Deal and means fewer journeys to big far-away hospitals.

“It shows how our local doctors are so committed to Deal Hospital. I will continue to work closely with them. More people will be able to get better in our community.

“We’ve come so far since 2006 when NHS chiefs decided to axe outpatient services at Deal Hospital. Since 2010 we’ve fought hard to get a fairer share of healthcare in Deal and will continue to do so.”

Hazel Carpenter added: “Deal hospital represents an integral part of local NHS service provision, and we will continue to invest in its future for the people of the town and nearby villages.”