News A20 roadwork


ROADWORKS lasting over seven months have started on theA20. The long-awaited Harrietsham


Highway Improvements Scheme will impose a 30mph limit on vehi- cles using theA20. Other work will include upgrad-


ing the pelican crossing to a toucan crossing at theWest Street junction, building wider kerbs to narrow the carriageway, and to accommodate wider footways. Centre islands will also be built,


and amicro-asphalt surface laid. It is understood that the scheme


has receivedupto £900,000 fromde- velopers’ contributions. KCCsaid: “Constructionwill take


up to 30 weeks and will be carried out from8amto 5pm.”


Newpost box


THE Royal Mail has replaced the stolen post box on theA20 nearCar- ing Lane at Bearsted. The box and its contents were


stolen on June 9. Resident and Thurnham Parish


CouncillorMike Stark said: “A new post boxwas installedon September 16. Unfortunately, one cannot use it yet as there is ametal cover over the letter slot. Presumably this iswhilst the foundations set.”


downsmail.co.uk


Hospital proposed as a specialist stroke centre


MAIDSTONE Hospital has been named as one of three in Kent ear- marked to become specialised stroke centres. The other two are Darent Valley in Dartford and the


Hospital


William Harvey Hospital in Ash- ford. The announcement comes after


lengthy research and public consul- tation. The three acute units will replace


existing care at six hospitals in this £40m project. The quality of this care has not always hit required standards, theNHS admitted. Speedofhighest-qualitytreatment


led by teams of consultants and spe- cialists using the latest equipment is seen as vital for patients. The three selected locations


should see 98%of patients admitted and treatment started within an hour. Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone


andtheWeald, said: “I amdelighted that such an outstanding servicewill be on the doorstep of many of my


constituents. I look forward to con- tinuing to work with the trust as they develop the newunit.” PatriciaDavies, the senior respon-


sible officer for the Kent and Med- way Stroke Review, said: “It is important to stress there are still sev- eral hurdles to clear before a final decision is made about urgent stroke care in Kent andMedway. “I would like to thank the hard-


working staff at all our stroke units for their ongoing loyalty and dedi- cation. I appreciate this is a time of uncertainty, but I believe there is an exciting future for everyone work- ing in stroke services across Kent andMedway.” Glenn Douglas, accountable offi-


cer for the eight Kent andMedway Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “The clinical committee was satisfied that the consultation did not identify any newevidence or vi- able options that required a change to the consultation proposals. “However, the responses to con-


sultation emphasised important is- sues for consideration during the implementation of the final option. “For example, people were con-


cerned about travel times, relatives andcarers visiting loved ones, effec- tive rehabilitation close to home and the ability to staff the newunits. “These and other issueswill all be


considered in the detailed imple- mentation plans for the final option. Somework to address these issues is already underway. “For example, we are looking at


how we canmake sure effective re- habilitation services can be deliv- ered locally and close to home for people, once the immediate period of their care in hospital in a special- ist unit is complete.”


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14 Maidstone East October 2018


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