Talks to improve the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone have stalled, prompting worries over whether more services will be brought to the town.

It comes as a petition to upgrade healthcare provision and facilities at the Radnor Park Avenue site closes tomorrow night.

Campaigners from Shepway’s WI branches say they have not heard from health bosses in the South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group and hope the wall of silence is not one of inaction.

They have vowed to push for more talks with the CCG to find out what progress is being made over services.

Patients have raised concerns over the already high and over-stretched demands placed on the hospital, which is also a minor injuries unit.

Members of the Women’s Institute launched the ‘Improve our Hospital’ campaign last summer, an appeal backed by the Folkestone & Hythe Express.

The campaign asks that with existing services already strained and an increasing population expecting to put added pressure on the demand, that the NHS introduces more services to reduce travelling times for patients.

Some patients from Shepway have to travel as far afield as Margate for routine appointments.

The campaign has implications for residents from Tenterden and on Romney Marsh who have to travel miles for treatment.

Along with discussions stuttering in recent weeks, the campaigners also hope news of the clinical chair of the CCG stepping down will not hinder their chances.

The WI said they hope the new chair would be “as helpful” as Dr Darren Cocker, who announced he was stepping down at the beginning of the month.

An online petition on change.org is still live and will close at midnight on Tuesday, April 19.

Alternatively, write your name and address and reasons for supporting the campaign and what services you would like to see to:

‘Upgrade our Hospital’ campaign, Folkestone & Hythe Express, Express House, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8JR. Email submissions can be sent to folkestoneexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk