A shake up at Maidstone Hospital could see one of its longest serving charities evicted.

Trust bosses have confirmed they are considering plans to replace the League of Friends shop in the reception area.

Volunteers for the charity say they have heard that profit-generating businesses WHSmith and Costa could be moved there instead.

Maidstone League of Friends, which was launched in 1983, raises funds through regular fetes and sales at its on-site second-hand book shop, general store and cafe.

This is used to buy life-saving equipment for the Hermitage Lane wards.

A spokesman for Maidstone Hospital said the League of Friends store could be moved from its current prime location to make way for a different retailer.

He would not confirm if discussions had taken place with any companies.

The spokesman said: “The trust is at the very early stages of looking at ways to redevelop the main entrance in 2014 to better meet patient needs.

“Should this work go ahead, it may require some of the League of Friends facilities to be relocated within the hospital.”

An anonymous hospital worker, who has helped at previous fundraisers, said: “I think it’s absolutely outrageous.

“They raise so much for the hospital and the way they are being treated is disgusting. I know they’ve been told to keep it on the quiet but everyone is talking about it.”

The hospital’s spokesman said that all interested retailers would be able to compete for the space.

Jeanette Rooke, director of estates and facilities, added: “The League of Friends provides a valuable service and support to the Trust and is not being asked to leave Maidstone Hospital, quite the contrary.”

Tunbridge Wells Hospital, which opened in 2011, already has a Costa and a WHSmiths.

Joyce Langton, chairman of the League of Friends, could not be reached for comment.

According to the trust’s website, the volunteer-run organisation donated more than £230,000 between May 2012 and April 2013.

A 70-year-old woman who has worked at the shop for over a year, said: “I worry what will happen to patients who can’t leave the wards, as I can’t see people from WHSmith or Costa wheeling trolleys round to sell tights, orange squash or anything else."