Patients have reacted with fury after being told the only GP surgery in their village is being moved.

Letters have been sent to more than 3,000 residents telling them the Medic Centre in London Road, Teynham, is to have a new home in Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital in a few weeks.

The switch follows the retirement of Dr Kumar. Patients are now being cared for by Dr Lavan Nilan Sasikethan, known to patients as Dr Nilan.

The Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which plans and pays for the area's healthcare, has failed to find alternative premises so patients will be forced to take on an extra eight-mile round-trip. The current building is owned by Dr Kumar.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson says he is "concerned" about the situation and Lloyd Bowen (Con), one of two Swale councillors representing the ward, said he was "disappointed" with the decision and worried about future healthcare for the village.

After a meeting with the CCG last week, he said: "I suggested the CCG look into providing a mobile surgery on some days so those unable to travel to Sittingbourne can still see their GP. They said they would explore the option."

He was one of a number of councillors who met health bosses to try to thrash out a solution before the switch takes effect in July or August.

Fellow Teynham councillor Mike Whiting (Con) said: "I am angry patients are being forced to travel to the Memorial Hospital which would make it, for some, an almost impossible trip because of the lack of, and possible withdrawal of some, bus services in the area."

Clive Brodigan, who chairs Teynham parish council, warned: "Teynham used to have two surgeries in the village. This will leave us with none. With more houses planned, we need a GP surgery more than ever."

Monique Bonney (Ind), the newly appointed deputy leader of Swale council, said she was "very angry" at the proposals and said the CCG must do more to provide a service in the area.

Residents have also taken to social media branding the decision as "absolutely disgusting". One wrote: "I’m a patient at this surgery and need regular medication. This is the first I’ve heard of this. I’m very concerned about the situation."

The CCG says patients will still be able to collect medicines from the village pharmacy.

Cllr Bowen said: "We were told the practice will be operating out of the Memorial Hospital and will have its own telephone line but they weren't able to say how long this temporary arrangement will last.

"We raised our concerns about the changes, particularity for those who use public transport. To get to the Memorial is nigh on impossible from the ward.

"All of the council representatives shared their concerns and disappointment. We are not happy about the impact this will have on Teynham and Lynsted as it leaves no GP provision within the ward."

He promised: "We will work as hard as we can to put pressure on the CCG."

In a letter to Dr Nilan's patients, Sukh Singhm, the CCG's director or primary care, said: "Dr Nilan will continue to run your GP practice. However, as the building belonged to Dr Kumar, it will not be available for use by The Medic Care (Teynham) Surgery beyond July/August 2022.

"NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been supporting Dr Nilan and working hard to find suitable alternative accommodation in the Teynham area.

"Unfortunately, this has not been possible in the time available. As a solution, while we continue to work on a longer-term plan, we have secured larger premises for your GP practice at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital in Bell Road."

Patients were told the new site had space for three clinicians which would improve "access and waiting times". They would also have access to other tests "if required".

Patients have been invited to take part in an online survey until June 20 and a meeting about the move will be held at Teynham Community Hall in Station Road on Tuesday, June 14, at 6pm.

The current surgery is opposite Lynsted Lane and next to the Co-op.

"Unfortunately, this has not been possible in the time available..."

In a question and answer sheet sent to patients, the CCG stressed: "This was not the practice’s decision, nor one taken by NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The move has been made necessary by the retiring GP who owns the building. The CCG and Dr Nilan have tried to find a way for the practice to stay in its current location but this has not been possible."

It added: "The CCG has worked with Dr Nilan since Dr Kumar confirmed his retirement. A general practice building needs a certain amount of space to be able to provide high-quality care, including reception, administrative and clinical consulting rooms. We have not been able to identify suitable accommodation of this type in Teynham."

It went on: "This move is not a choice of the practice or the CCG and we have no power to stop it. Contract deadlines on the building meant the practice had a six-month notice period to find alternative accommodation.

"The only available option which met the necessary criteria for running a safe and clinically-effective practice was at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital."

It also lists ways of getting to the hospital by car, bus and train but admits it has no idea when the surgery will return.

It said: "We don’t know at this stage. The practice and the CCG have been focussing on finding an immediate home. We will continue to work on a longer-term plan with the practice, taking into account local health needs and other planning and development in the area, to make decisions on where best to place future services."

Caroline Selkirk, the CCG's chief operating officer, added: "We understand this move will be unsettling for some patients. It is not a decision taken by either us or Dr Lavan Nilan Sasikethan.

"We have tried to find a way for the practice to stay in its current location but this has not been possible. We will continue to work on a longer-term plan for this practice, taking into account local health needs and other planning and development in the area."

She added: "We have written to all patients registered at the practice – they will all remain registered with the practice - and we are really keen for people to share their views so we can better understand what is important to patients and to help shape future services. We will be asking patients registered with the practice to get in touch.

“In the meantime, the new location allows an enhanced range of services to be delivered. There will be room for three clinicians on site; improving access and waiting times.

"As the practice will be in the same building as Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, patients will have convenient access to other tests, if required. The move will take place in July/August.’’