An NHS boss has temporarily taken on a fourth hospital.

Jonathan Wade, who is currently chief executive of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, is taking over as the boss of Medway NHS Foundation Trust from April 1.

In his current role, he oversees the north Kent trust responsible for Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup and Erith and District Hospital in Erith.

Now, his new appointment, which is set to last for six-months, will allow closer collaboration between both the Medway, and Dartford and Gravesham, NHS Trusts.

John Goulston, chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Jonathan is an experienced chief executive and understands the challenges that the NHS in Medway and Kent experiences.

“At Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust he has overseen a number of improvements, and has played a key role in developing partnership working.

“We look forward to welcoming him to Medway where I know his skills and experience will be a great fit as we continue to make improvements through our Patient First approach.”

Responding to the transition plan, Lauren Edwards MP said: “I have some concerns about a joint chief executive for Medway and Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trusts, particularly when significant improvements are needed in our local hospital’s A&E department, as revealed in the recent Care Quality Commission report.

“This is a six-month interim trial period, and I understand that a deputy chief executive will be working full-time in Medway under the new joint chief executive during this time.

“However, I will be seeking further assurances from our local NHS leadership team and will work with Medway Council and other Medway MPs to assess if this model is the right one for Medway and will deliver improvements for patients.”

It comes as Jayne Black leaves Medway NHS Foundation Trust in April to take up an appointment as chief executive of East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

The new arrangement follows similar models across the country where trusts are increasingly sharing chief executives and other senior roles.

Medway already shares a chair with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, while Dartford and Gravesham share a chair, Dr Jackie Craissati, with Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust.

Jackie Craissati, chair of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, said: “I am excited by the opportunity for greater collaboration with Medway NHS Foundation Trust.

“I am confident our two boards will work well together, and this interim arrangement will allow us to explore how we might achieve more sustainable pathways of care for the people of north Kent.”

Mr Wade said: “This is a real opportunity for both organisations to learn from each other and make the best use of our collective expertise.

“By working together more effectively, we can improve resilience, drive innovation and deliver even better care for our communities.

“While both trusts will remain independent, this is a chance to build on what we do well and strengthen services for the future.”