A long closed ward at Sheppey Community Hospital has reopened as part of an emergency response to overcrowding.

Swale council’s cabinet member for community safety and health, Cllr Ken Pugh, revealed the development last week.

The Tory was speaking at a meeting of Minster Parish Council. The move is aimed at tackling pressures at Medway Maritime and Maidstone hospitals.

Minster ward, which has been closed for almost a decade, was placed on “standby” after a deep clean took place.

Its 16 beds will be used for patients who are coming to the end of their hospital treatment.

Cllr Pugh, who represents Minster Cliffs ward, says the development is “good news for Swale”. He said: “People who have to receive long-term hospital care will now be able to have that closer to home. This is good for families of patients who need palliative care.”

As reported last week, Medway Maritime has been diverting patients to Maidstone as it battles capacity issues.

The Kent Community Health Foundation Trust confirmed the Sheppey hospital in Plover Road, Minster, is being utilised. But it was keen to make clear it is a temporary measure only.

The trust’s deputy chief executive and director of adult operations, Lesley Strong, said: “We know the entire local health system is facing enormous pressure at the moment as patient numbers continue to be up year-on-year.

“I’d like to say thank you to all of you for your support and on-going dedication to caring for patients. My particular thanks go to those teams in Swale which are helping to support.”

At the time of going press, it wasn’t clear whether any patients had yet been transferred to the Island.