A pair of GP surgeries have confirmed they will merge to form a “supergroup” for patients in their town.

Faversham Medical Practice in Bank Street and Newton Place Surgery - less than half a mile from each other - announced this week they will be joining forces.

From April, the surgeries will be rebranded as the Faversham Medical Group in a move patients hope will make it easier to book and access appointments.

In a joint statement, bosses explained the move will allow them “to combine resources and expertise, leading to improved services and access to care for our patient community”.

“This merger represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community,” said the newly founded group.

“Both Faversham Medical Practice and Newton Place Surgery sites will remain open as usual. Our patients will see no change in services due to the merger and can continue to see their GPs as before.

“We look forward to working together to make this merger a success for everyone involved.”

Despite the news, some residents say they have not been properly consulted ahead of the merger.

Concern for Health in East Kent chairman Ken Rogers says he was unaware of any patient consultation, which is usually expected in such circumstances.

Cllr Antony Hook (Lib Dem), the Faversham representative on Kent County Council, added: "As a patient of one of the surgeries myself I am very keen to know how this will affect patients. I know all patients will want to know this too.

"If this will result in better services for patients then it is to be welcomed. The surgeries should be able to explain how that will happen.

"There will be some concern about only having one practice and therefore less choice. Having a choice as to which practice to use often promotes quality.

"Booking appointments is a particular area we would likely see improvement.

“There needs to be more appointments, and it is surprising in this day and age that an appointment can't be booked online.”

Dr Gaurav Gupta, GP at Faversham Medical Practice, said: "The merger will allow us to combine resources and expertise, leading to improved services and access to care for our patients.

“We are committed to ensuring that this transition is as seamless as possible for all our patients.

“We want to be able to make sure we can deal with the increase in population, and we’re looking at all ways to make access easier.”

The two practices already provide a large range of services to the community, including an X-ray service, urgent treatment centre (UTC), cataract surgery, eye clinics, pessary clinics, ultrasound scans, physiotherapy and minor surgery.