Lawtech Group has been hired to replace cladding on part of Medway Hospital.

Work will begin later this month and is expected to be completed next summer on buildings that date back to 1999.

The cladding is reaching the end of its life and is due for replacement.

Patient care will not be affected and Medway Maritime NHS Foundation Trust has said disruption to patients or staff will be very minimal.

The work is the next phase in a programme to improve fire safety at the hospital which began in 2016.

The trust worked closely with the fire service to implement a plan which was reviewed after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Independent experts in fire safety were appointed to give advice and produce a strategy.

The trust has already carried out work to improve fire safety including regular patrols by fire wardens, fire stopping works to create 60-minutes compartments and increased fire training.

Chief executive Lesley Dwyer said: “The safety of our staff and patients is an absolute priority, and this has guided our proactive actions around fire safety improvements at Medway.

“Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy there was increased scrutiny of fire safety across all public sector services and buildings, as well as greater vigilance concerning fire prevention.

‘’We considered what other actions were necessary to accelerate delivery and augment the safety of the hospital, and we have put in place many measures which have made the hospital safer.

“The next step is to replace cladding which is coming towards the end of its life.

"The trust has decided to undertake this work to ensure the buildings are as safe as possible.

"The ‘boarding’ and other works already carried out have enhanced safety, and replacing the cladding will make the building as safe as it can be.

“Patient care will not be affected by the works and the hospital will remain open and operational at all times.”