Private hospital cuts 140 jobs

Less patients will be treated at night because of the overhaul of services

A private hospital in Kent is cutting 140 jobs.

Benenden Hospital, which is owned by the Benenden Healthcare Society, has said it regretted the redundancies but said they were necessary.

The job losses come after a review was carried out to ensure the hospital was meeting its owners requirements.

The review found faster diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures had led to an increase in day surgery with more patients being seen.

Results considered

As a result the hospital, which is in Cranbrook, plans to focus on outpatient consultations and day case treatment with less overnight medical services.

Ken Hesketh, hospital director, said: "The society has considered the results of the review and has concluded that some services provided in their current form will not have any long term clinical or financial viability.

"The immediate effect on our workforce is, of course, regretted.

"However we are satisfied these reductions are necessary and every effort is being made to support staff through the impending changes."

The society was founded in 1905 to help postal workers suffering from tuberculosis.

Membership of the society is still limited to employees of the post office, the civil service, British Telecom, the education sector, local authorities and other approved public bodies.