Bosses running the area’s new hospital are to receive government help to meet repayments on the £228 million PFI they took out to build it.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust, which runs the Tunbridge Wells at Pembury Hospital (pictured) and Maidstone Hospital, is one of 22 trusts identified nationally as needing cash support to meet
the payments.

The Department of Health says its PFI contract may act as a barrier to achieving clinical and financial sustainability and securing foundation trust status.

A total of £12.6 billion PFI contracts exist in the NHS, with some paying off their commitment by 2050.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “Concern about the PFI issues facing these trusts is not an attack upon the hospitals, but a recognition, based on what they themselves have told us, that a review of their case should be done so those cases where solutions may need to be found could be identified.”

A Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust spokesman said: “MTW is part of a national review of NHS trusts that require financial assistance to support their private finance initiative.

"The trust is working closely with its PCT commissioners, strategic health authority and the Department of Health as part of this ongoing assessment.
“MTW is committed to providing the highest possible standards of care to patients in the most modern, efficient and sustainable way.”