50% more intensive care beds for one Ashford hospital

William Harvey Hospital has increased its number of intensive care beds by 50% in preparation for an expected rise in winter coronavirus patients.

The new eight bed intensive care unit takes the hospital's total number of ICU beds to 24.

It features state-of-the-art technology including a new echocardiography machine to help improve treatment for patients who suffer cardiac arrest. The machine was funded by a £150,000 grant from East Kent Hospitals Charity.

The unit opened to patients last week.