Plans have been put forward for a new multi-million pound medical facility which would create 181 jobs.

The development at Maidstone Hospital in Hermitage Lane would cost around £30 million and represent part of the government’s £8 billion Build Back Better NHS project.

If approved, the standalone “Orthopaedic Barn” would have four theatres, a 22-bed inpatient ward and a 16-bed day patient ward with medical support and plant spaces.

Maidstone Hospital deals with orthopaedic cases for all of Kent.

If given the go-ahead, the two-storey building would help cut waiting times and backlogs, which have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The planning statement said: “There is a compelling need for the development arising from a demand for additional operating space to deal with existing backlogs in the system.

“The improved functioning of the hospital is critical in light of the pressures created by the Covid-19 pandemic which has placed immense strain on an already under-resourced service.

“The application is a direct part of Maidstone NHS Trust’s response to improve the efficiency of Maidstone Hospital in line with the Government’s Build Back Better plan.

“The proposed facility will have the direct ability to improve the lives both of those people currently awaiting procedures and those people who will need procedures in the future.

“It will assist wider training and best practice and would link with the new Kent and Medway Medical School which has been set up to train the next generation of NHS doctors.”

Construction would be “short” and the building screened by surrounding hospital buildings.

It is also hoped the facility would help increase the amount of hip replacement procedures from five to 20 per day.

The planning statement added: “Moreover, provision of this additional capacity will free up operating space in further theatres within the main hospital for more complex operations.

“The development is predicted to significantly improve the efficiency of hospital functions to attend to backlogs in the waiting list.”

A new patient car parking and drop-off area with six parking spaces including four blue badge spaces will be provided to the front of the building.

Another 10 cycle storage spaces have also been proposed.

You can view the plans here, with reference 22/502691/FULL.