More than 3,300 patients are having to switch GP surgery.

Those who use Dr Amechi Adigwe's practice in Milton Regis High Street, Sittingbourne, have been told to use the Lakeside Medical Centre in Todd Crescent, Kemsley, from the beginning of June.

It is a temporary measure until a replacement surgery is opened at a new medical centre in Green Porch Close.

Patients have been told the move will not affect their treatment.

In a letter to patients, Dr Adigwe said: "This change is because the lease at Milton Regis surgery not being renewed."

He added: "The relatively cramped nature of accommodation makes it no longer suitable for providing the high quality standards we aim to provide for you. Lakeside is a purpose-built modern GP surgery which, I am sure, you will find entirely suitable for your needs."

He stressed GP services will not be affected by the change.

The new health centre at Green Porch Close was to have been completed by this summer but the work has been delayed because of a shortage of building materials caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

A spokesman for NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, which has been planning and paying for Swale healthcare since April 1, said: "The Lakeside Medical Centre and Milton Regis Surgery are relocating into larger and more suitable premises at Green Porch Close, Milton Regis.

“Green Porch Medical Centre will open later this year and offer patients more services such as a pharmacy as well as state-of-the-art consulting rooms. Both practices have worked with their patients on these plans and there has been widespread support for the move.

“The lease on the building used by Milton Regis will finish at the end of May.

"Patients who need a face-to-face appointment will be directed to the Lakeside Medical Centre until the new building is ready. Patients who don’t require a physical appointment will be offered a video or telephone consultation. Additional staff and equipment will be available at the medical centre to care for these extra patients.”

The branch surgery in Newington will continue to be open and will not be affected by these changes.

Lakeside Medical Centre is opposite the pharmacy and convenience store in Todd Crescent.

Swale council gave planning permission to convert the former Green Porch Family and Mediation Centre into a GP surgery, pharmacy and four bedsits in December last year.

Work will include a new single and two-storey extension to create another access and car park.

The plan was supported by Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson who said: "As you know, there is a shortage of GPs in my constituency. I hope this new facility will encourage more GPs to the area."

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