A medical surgery could soon close as the premises is "not suitable for providing modern day healthcare."

Patients of Garlinge branch surgery in Canterbury Road, Margate, have recieved a letter proposing its closure as soon as the end of May.

The centre is linked to the main surgery, The Limes Medical Centre, which will remain open.

The proposed closure is being put down to problems including the building being vulnerable to adverse weather and computer systems running slowly.

In a letter sent to patients by the Limes Medical Centre partners, it says: "Although patients have been able to use the Garlinge branch since July 2016, the premises no longer allow us to offer the best care for our patients.

"It is therefore with regret that after a lot of discussion and consideration the practice is proposing to close the branch surgery.

"We know that this may not be a popular decision with some patients, but we have not been able to find alternative premises, despite looking at many options, working closely with the Thanet Clinical Commissioning Group.

"We understand that closure of the Garlinge branch site may make access to the practice more difficult for a number of patients.

"However we believe that this change will strengthen the practice as a whole, allowing us to offer a wider range of services to all out patients and a more consistent level of service."

If its closure goes ahead, patients will not need to re-register and will continue to be seen at The Limes Medical Centre.

A spokesman for NHS Thanet said: "We can confirm that we have received an application from The Limes Medical Centre to close the Garlinge branch surgery.

"The practice is currently consulting with patients and is asking patients to complete a survey expressing their views and concerns.

"The practice has also organised two patient drop-in sessions for patients to express their views and concerns.

"All of these comments will be taken on board before the NHS Thanet Clinical Commissioning Group‘s Primary Care Commissioning Committee makes a decision on this proposed closure on Thursday, May 17."

Patients are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed closure, by completing a survey posted to them or by sending questions to The Limes Medical Centre, Trinity Square, Margate, CT9 1QY.

The results of the consultation will be presented to the Thanet CCG.

Views can also be sent by post, for the attention of Julie Sandum, by hand or by email - limesadministration@nhs.net.

There will also be two meeting for patients to discuss the potential closure.

The first will be held at Garlinge Methodist Church Hall in Canterbury Road on Thursday, April 19 from 5pm and the second at The Limes Medical Centre in Trinity Square on Saturday, April 21 from 9.30sm.

The consultation will run until May 4, with a deadline for any feedback on April 27.