It's right that staff at the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust are sharing a £1.6million bonus. That's what the majority of people who have responded to our story on the subject are saying.

Most Kent Online agree that the 7,000 workers deserve the money for their hard work in improving patient care so long as it does not end up in the wrong place - the pockets of "fat cats".

Jo Humphrey, from Maidstone, said: "I would rather the money go to the staff for their hard work than into fat cat pockets. Any bonus will actually motivate staff, giving them reason to do their jobs. Who will work when they receive nothing in return?"

Janet Stewart, from West Malling, however, feels the staff do not deserve the payment: "I have great respect for hospital workers, but they are being paid a wage to do a job. That job is caring for the sick, helping them to recover, and providing high levels of hygiene at all times. The fact they have nearly achieved this, does not warrant a bonus. It is what should be happening anyway."

What do you think? Could the £1.6million have been better spent? Have your say on our SpeakOut.

Sarah Watson, from Ashford, responded: "To all those who are unhappy with the small bonus awarded to EKHNHS Trust employees, how about changing places with us for a day? We work damned hard for our money and have only a below inflation wage rise to look forward to for the next two years, effectively giving us a pay cut.

"If we have been productive enough over the last couple of years to turn a £35 million deficit into a £7.5 million surplus then surely we should be congratulated for our part in reducing the taxpayer burden? Not slated for receiving a small, though welcome, bonus."

Staff were rewarded because the trust has saved £40 million in recent years and is £7million in credit.

Our poll result showed around 70 per cent voted in favour of staff receiving a £250 bonus with about 30 per cent against.