Robert Boddy

Staff at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham say higher parking charges and a 20% reduction in bank-shift wages have intensified financial pressures, with some taking pub jobs to supplement their income. A midwife says staff shortages are also forcing workers outside their specialties. Medway NHS Foundation Trust says parking revenue supports maintenance and patient care, while eligible staff can use permits, free off-site parking and a shuttle bus. The hospital has a reported £47 million deficit, and Medway Council says it intends to discuss the situation with trust leaders.

Karen Jones has retired as the crossing patrol officer at Maundene Primary School in Walderslade after 33 years of service. Pupils, parents and staff gave the 66-year-old an emotional farewell, including a school-wide performance of “Let It Go.” Colleagues and former pupils praised her kindness, reliability and commitment to keeping children safe, while headteacher Joanne Capes said Jones would be greatly missed by the community.

Medway Council has submitted plans for a £44m, council-run care home at Innovation Park Medway in Chatham, featuring 80 beds and 11 additional supported living units. The project was revived after being paused in 2023, following a lack of commercial interest in the original enterprise campus proposal. Approved in late 2025, the plan faced opposition from Conservative and Reform UK councillors over affordability, while Labour councillors argued it would address rising demand for care home places and social care support.