Health care in a large area of Medway could be thrown into chaos because of a dispute between doctors over a tenancy agreement.

About 12,000 patients on the Hoo Peninsula are in “imminent” danger of being left without a GP surgery if the St Werburgh Medical Practice is forced to close.

The problem has arisen because three practising GPs at the surgery in Bells Lane are refusing to sign a rental document.

This has been presented by three other doctors who own the building.

If they continue to hold out, the surgery may be repossessed by the mortgage company.

Hoo parish councillor Noreen Chambers has been a patient there for 26 years.

The 76-year-old said: “It would be absolutely devastating.

“Not only do we have a growing population, but a growing elderly population who might have mobility and transport difficulties.

“I have no idea what I am going to do.”

Another resident and fellow parish councillor Angela Gatfield was equally shocked.

The 67-year-old said: “I knew nothing about this. You can struggle now to get an appointment because the surgeries are full.

“I don’t drive, so having the doctors around the corner is really handy.”

Ward councillor Roy Freshwater said: “I am hoping to meet health officials to see what, if anything, can be done.”

Solicitors on behalf of the owners issued the GPs an ultimatum to which they had not received a response at the time of going to press.

One of them, Dr Peter Szwedziuk, said: “We feel the public of the Hoo Peninsula have a right to know that this loss of amenity is imminent and that the doctors are refusing to play ball.”

He set up the practice with doctors Gerri McKeever and Geoffrey Davies in the early 1990s.

Caroline Selkirk, of the Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, which provides and monitors medical services, said: “We are aware of this matter, which is a private one between the doctors concerned.

“However, we wish to reassure patients our priority is towards their care, and maintaining access to GP services.”

The St Werburgh practice manager would not comment.

MP Kelly Tolhurst said: “Hoo St Werburgh surgery has had problems like many others and I have worked with them and the NHS to overcome difficulties, however, I do want to stress to residents there is no plan to shut the surgery and its doors will remain open.

“Sadly it appears internal disputes have been put ahead of patient care and community respect, which is frankly unacceptable for the thousands who rely on the vital services Hoo practice provides.”