Patients have the chance to meet hospital bosses tonight to debate the proposed merger of Medway and Dartford's hospital trusts.

Officials admit some "highly specialised" services could close at Medway Maritime or Darent Valley hospitals as part of the merger, which could take place next summer.

They insist core services such as maternity, A&E, surgery, children's and outpatient clinics would be maintained at both hospitals.

The merger would lead to several people losing their jobs, but bosses argue it could also allow in new services such as specialist foetal scans and paediatric surgery.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Mark Devlin is due to attend the meeting, which has been set up by community group Medway Local Involvement Network (LINk).

The merger is aiming to save £30 million over three years as part of the NHS drive to find cuts.

The meeting is at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham, at 6pm. Reserve a place by emailing deborahw@kmn-ltd.co.uk or calling 0800 980 3956.