Lessons learnt from the pandemic must be used to improve health care in Kent, a council chief has said.

Kent County Council (KCC) hopes to adapt to living in a post Covid world.

There are still around 400 cases per 100,000 people as the government sets out its 'Living with Covid' plan to scrap all legal restrictions.

KCC has hired a new director of public health to oversee changes.

Dr Anjan Ghosh, who has been in the role for 15 days, described Covid as a "global disaster" at a public meeting in County Hall, Maidstone, earlier today.

He said: "The pandemic has shown we have to throw out old plans that are not fit for purpose. We have to redesign them."

Bexley Council's former director of public health has urged a radical transformation of the health system for the county's 1.5million residents.

Dr Gosh says he will be reflecting on lessons learnt, including technological advancements enabling "real time data" of public health demand in Kent.

He suggested inspecting mortality rates more closely; along with mental health issues caused by social isolation and areas of financial deprivation.

Other areas of concern include obesity, diabetes and childhood trauma.

Dr Gosh said: "If we get this right and learn the lessons from the pandemic, we are on the cusp of something special."

Kent county councillors raised concerns over life expectancy rates and GP access, particularly in eastern coastal areas like Thanet and Folkestone.

"If we get this right, we are on the cusp of something special..."

Cllr Penny Cole (Con), KCC's deputy cabinet member for public health, said: "Kent is a fabulous place, but the challenges we are facing are not inconsiderable."

Sir Paul Carter (Con), who was a former leader at the county council for 14 years, urged more residents to use local health services at their disposal.

He said: "My experience is that males aged 50 and over rarely go to see their GP or get their physical health checked."

However, Margate county councillor Barry Lewis (Lab) warned that the wait times for patients seeking a GP appointment were "appalling" in his division.

He said: "You have more chance of winning the lottery in Thanet than getting a GP appointment."

Opposition county councillors said major changes were required, including a sizeable increase to the number of health staff in the NHS, including doctors.

Cllr Karen Constantine (Lab), KCC's shadow cabinet member for health, said: "If we have got the right person in the NHS at the right time and right place, we will be able to get the treatment necessary to save a life."

KCC's Conservative cabinet said they hoped that "some progress" would be made in tackling some issues during their tenure, which lasts until 2025.