The largest private hospital in Kent has expanded its reach after buying a medical centre.

KIMS Hospital, in Maidstone, has acquired private healthcare site the Sevenoaks Medical Centre in London Road for an undisclosed price.

The medical centre was previously run by HCA International and underwent a £1.4m refurbishment five years ago.

KIMS Hospital CEO, Simon James said, “For people who live in Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas, this means they can choose to see a consultant and be diagnosed close to where they live.

"The centre is very accessible, opposite Sevenoaks railway station and with easy access from the A21, M20 and M25.

“If patients need further specialist treatment or surgery, there is a direct and straightforward clinical pathway into KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. This gives patients in west Kent the choice of accessing healthcare within the county as an alternative to having to travel into London.”

Patients visiting Sevenoaks Medical Centre will be able to access a wide range of services including MRI, CT, mammography, X-ray, private GP and physiotherapy. Specialities include; orthopaedics, cardiology, breast care services, gynaecology and women’s health, general surgery, cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Mr James added: “As the largest independent hospital in Kent, we will continue to work collaboratively within the local healthcare economy to provide safe, outstanding healthcare for both NHS funded and private patients.

"It is no secret that across the country NHS hospitals remain under significant pressure and it therefore remains imperative that the state and independent healthcare sectors work in partnership to provide choice to patients and reduce pressure on NHS facilities.”

According to the second edition of the UK Private Healthcare market report the growth of self-funded treatment in the UK’s private hospitals and clinics has more than doubled over the last five years to £1.1 billion. The report adds

there is also growth in demand for diagnostic services such as MRI, CT scans and endoscopy where patients are seeking a more rapid diagnosis than they can obtain under the NHS.

Sevenoaks Medical Centre will re-open under KIMS branding early in February following remedial building work and internal improvements.

All eight existing staff members at the centre will remain at the site with a recruitment day for additional roles to be held in Sevenoaks next month.

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