Plans for Dover’s £20 million community hospital have been agreed by the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Members of the board gave their backing to the scheme on Friday, and will now work with the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust and the GPs consortium to decide which services will be provided.

Services already in the list are outpatient services, a new surgical procedures suite, extended minor injury hours and illness services, a birthing unit, a range of diagnostic services including MRI scans, therapy, day hospital, mobile chemotherapy, extended paediatric services, renal services including dialysis and hearing aid services.

It is expected the hospital, next to the existing health centre in Maison Dieu Road, will be open for business in less than three years.

Health bosses say the mid town site has been chosen because it best fits with the requirements outlined in discussions with local people and partner organisations.

Buckland Hospital will remain fully operational until the new building is opened, and in the meantime local GPs are hoping that the number of outpatient appointments at Buckland will increase.