Medway is a vibrant and growing community, continuously expanding with new housing estates accommodating an ever-increasing population. However, this growth presents a significant challenge: our only major healthcare facility, Medway Hospital in Gillingham, is struggling at full capacity. It is currently stretched to its limits, trying to serve the healthcare needs of the residents effectively.

With numerous new homes already built and even more planned for the future, the demand for medical services continues to climb. This population surge is making it increasingly difficult for the existing infrastructure to provide timely and efficient medical care. The current situation leaves residents anxious and concerned about access to essential healthcare services in emergencies.

Therefore, establishing a new hospital in Medway or the neighboring area of Swale is not just a practical necessity but a moral imperative. The establishment of another hospital would ease the burden on Medway Hospital, improve healthcare outcomes, and ensure that all residents have access to high-quality, timely medical care.

We propose that local authorities, healthcare organizations, and relevant government bodies explore immediate and long-term solutions. This could involve securing funding, allocating land, and leveraging public-private partnerships to build a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle the region's growing healthcare demands.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. According to NHS figures, the population in Medway is projected to expand by over 10% in the next decade, escalating the demand for healthcare services even further. A strategic plan to address this impending healthcare crisis is needed without delay.

We call upon the Medway Council, Kent County Council, NHS Trusts, and the Department of Health and Social Care to prioritize the establishment of a new hospital. Let's ensure our healthcare infrastructure keeps pace with our community's growth and secures the well-being of current and future generations.

By signing this petition, you're advocating for a sustainable future, one where accessible and effective healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Please add your signature and voice to this call for action. Together, we can make a new hospital in Medway a reality.