An MP has raised concerns over how villagers will access healthcare services after its doctor’s surgery officially informed NHS bosses of its intention to close.

Highparks Medical Practice announced it was planning to axe its Higham site in January, stating it was becoming “financially unsustainable” to run four locations.

The firm, which also has surgeries in Cliffe Woods, Cliffe, and Wainscott, decided closing the branch in Hermitage Lane would have the least impact on patients following an independent assessment.

It has now officially sent its application to the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB), stating its intentions to leave the village.

MP for Gravesham, Dr Lauren Sullivan, said she is “extremely disappointed” and the decision is “deeply concerning” for the rural community, where she states access to healthcare is “so vital”.

In a statement, she added: “While I acknowledge the need for long-term sustainability in general practice, I do not believe the closure of this site is the right solution for the people of Higham.

“I will be formally raising these concerns with the Kent and Medway ICB, highlighting the significant impact this closure would have on the Higham community.

“I remain clear in my stance; Higham needs a GP surgery. This is what we have been fighting for.

“I will continue to be a strong voice for the people of Higham and will work to ensure that their healthcare needs are recognised, prioritised, and properly supported at every stage.”

Villagers have previously expressed their concerns that if the surgery were to close, many people will struggle to access another branch if they do not drive due to “restrictive” and “unreliable” public transport networks.

On average, there are three buses a day from Higham and Cliffe Woods, where the nearest practice is, which is 1.9 miles away.

More than 2,400 people have signed a petition, set up by Higham resident Charlotte Angell, objecting to the proposed closure.

The 33-year-old is now urging residents to email the ICB to have “their voices heard”.

She added: “I am deeply saddened to read that the application has now been submitted to the ICB for closure, and we are left with uncertainty for what will become of our village.

“Our concerns are for those who are elderly, less able and those who rely upon being able to access healthcare on foot and what this means for them going forward.

“Public transport is simply not an option, with having to access a bus route that runs once every hour and having to change in Strood, this is just not a viable option.

“Repeat prescriptions, which are already on a longer turnaround, will be no more; those who currently drop these off into the surgery will no longer be able to do this, and I am unsure what happens from here?

“The surgery is currently running on restricted hours most weeks, which has already caused upset and worry amongst the village.

“We will, however, continue to fight as a village with the support of our parish council, ward councillors and our local MP.”

A spokesperson for the ICB has confirmed that an application has been received and said it will be thoroughly reviewed before a decision is made.

Highparks Medical Practice has been contacted for more information.

The practice has 2,831 registered patients on its books with a Higham postcode.