The move creates a single community health provider of more than 100 services.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Mairead McCormick said: ‘This is an important moment for community health services across Kent and Medway. We are delighted to welcome more than 1,250 colleagues into our organisation and to begin this next chapter together.

‘For patients and local people, our priority remains unchanged. Services continue to operate as normal and people should continue to access care in exactly the same way.

‘We know bringing two organisations together is a significant undertaking and some things will take time to settle. We will continue to listen, learn and work closely with colleagues and partners as we move forward.'

Service integration has already seen the launch of a new frailty hospital at home service in Medway, giving people access to specialist assessment, diagnostics and support in their own homes. Developed with GP partners and Medway NHS Foundation Trust, the service aims to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and help more people receive care where they feel most comfortable.

Plans are also being developed for a similar service in Swale, in partnership with HCRG.