The Kent schools and hospitals set to receive millions from government for vital maintenance and upgrades

Dozens of schools and hospitals across Kent are set to benefit from a share of almost £1.2 billion in government funding to tackle long-standing maintenance issues and improve essential infrastructure.

The investment, part of the government's Plan for Change initiative, will see £750 million go towards vital repairs at more than 400 NHS sites nationwide, while 656 schools and sixth form colleges will share £470 million to improve safety and comfort for students and staff.

In Kent, four NHS trusts and more than 40 schools will receive significant funding.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded more than £13 million to carry out improvements across the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, the QEQM in Margate and Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Planned works include upgrades to electrical, energy, and water systems, as well as roof repairs and new building management systems.

Medway Maritime Hospital is also set to benefit from almost £4.8 million for building improvements, ventilation upgrades, and a replacement nurse call system.

Meanwhile, Maidstone Hospital will receive £3.5 million to improve ventilation, electrical systems, fire safety, and drainage.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has secured £1 million for energy system upgrades at Darent Valley Hospital, and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust will receive £400,000 for asbestos and fire safety works at Coleman House and Priority House.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “A decade and a half of underinvestment left hospitals crumbling, with burst pipes flooding emergency departments, faulty electrical systems shutting down operating theatres, and mothers giving birth in outdated facilities that lack basic dignity.

“We are on a mission to rebuild our NHS through investment and modernisation.

“Patients and staff deserve to be in buildings that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose. Through our Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.”

Kent’s schools are also in line for critical upgrades, with 41 primary and secondary institutions earmarked for urgent maintenance works.

These include fire safety improvements, heating system replacements, asbestos removal, and structural repairs.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.

“Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.”

The improvements aim not only to make facilities safer and more efficient but also to restore confidence in the nation’s public services.

Schools will see new heating systems, fire doors, and safeguarding upgrades, while NHS trusts focus on reducing disruptions to services and modernising outdated infrastructure.

The first wave of upgrades is expected to begin this summer, with the broader programme scheduled for the 2025 to 2026 financial year.