Health chiefs have sought to reassure patients of a long-standing Sheppey GP who announced before Christmas he had retired.

Dr Srinivasan Subash Chandran, who ran a practice in Sheerness High Street and branch surgery in Queenborough High Street, announced before Christmas he was to stand down.

Swale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is in charge of funding and allocating health services in the area, said the practices would stay open until Friday, January 31.

According to the NHS website, 4,750 patients were registered with Dr Chandran.

A Swale CCG spokesman said: "Patients will continue to be seen and looked after by GPs and other health professionals.

"We are working closely with the practice to put in place long-term arrangements for registered patients to continue to receive high quality GP services."

A letter is due to be sent to patients telling them about the changes when plans have been finalised.

In a note to patients, Dr Chandran said: "To all my patients, I would like to thank you all for your support all these years."

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey

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